A remarkable performance of the Marathi play “Madhurav – Boru te Blog” recently took center stage at the Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha, under the auspices of Mitramandal Bengaluru. This inspiring play, masterfully executed by just three actors, traces 2000 years of Marathi history. The innovative use of audio-visual elements and stage props, a significant highlight of the production, was deftly employed to bring the narrative to life. Written by Samira Gujar and directed by Madhura Welanker-Satam, “Madhurav – Boru te Blog” skillfully blends past and present, traditional and modern, to explore Marathi literary traditions.
During the performance, a thoughtfully projected book enriched the audience’s understanding of Marathi’s literary history. This novel approach, conceived by Madhura, concluded with an interactive quiz that engaged the audience, making the theatrical experience both educational and entertaining. The play’s flexible format allows it to be easily adapted for various venues, making it particularly suited for smaller, more intimate settings.
One of the play’s unique features is its invitation to local writers to present their works, creating a living dialogue between the audience and the Marathi literary tradition. It meticulously traces the journey from ancient manuscript writing to contemporary blogging, bridging eras and spotlighting the evolution of how stories are told. Addressing the urgent issues of cultural preservation in an era of globalization, “Madhurav – Boru te Blog” underscores the critical significance of connecting younger generations to their linguistic and cultural roots.
Samira Gujar, who holds a Master’s degree in Marathi and a PhD in Sanskrit Bhakti Shastra, is passionate about emphasizing the relevance of regional languages in today’s world. The play also sees the talents of Jui Bhagwat and Ashish Gade, apart from Madhura, who not only directs but also produces full-time.
In a special arrangement, the imagery from the play conveys vivid scenes, resonating with audiences and sparking a newfound interest in Marathi language and literature. “Though Marathi is an ancient language, its schools are shutting down. If you want to make the next generation realize its importance, it has to be done in an entertaining way which will reach their heart and brain,” Madhura Welanker-Satam elucidated on her inspiration for the production.
An inspiring lecture where a professor mentioned Vishwa Shastri Chitravankar, the author of the iconic Marathi work “Nibandh Mala,” profoundly influenced Samira.
. This moment ignited her curiosity in delving deeper into the biographies and works of Marathi authors, a theme richly explored in her play “Matharam.” Teaming up with her friend Madhura, who also holds a Master’s degree in Marathi, Samira embarked on a journey of historical research, leading to the creation of “Madhurav – Boru te Blog.”
Crafting the play’s script demanded condensing immense historical content into a coherent, engaging narrative. Samira credits Madhura’s input and her teachers’ guidance for creating a script that resonates with both literary enthusiasts and the general public alike.
“Madhurav – Boru te Blog” pays tribute to countless writers and scholars who have contributed to Marathi literature over the centuries. By celebrating the deep and rich cultural heritage of Marathi, the play aims to inspire audiences to cherish and preserve their linguistic and literary traditions.
Their performance in Bengaluru marked the 31st show, and feedback from audiences indicates a growing interest in the Marathi language. “Since we did quite a few shows in colleges and English medium schools, some children have begun reading Marathi books or speaking it a bit,” noted Madhura.
Samira and her team have ambitious plans for international tours, with potential performances in the UAE and the USA. They hope to inspire expatriate communities to preserve the Marathi language and culture, much as they have done in India.
Additionally, Madhura is working on a fictional adaptation of the play to broaden its appeal among the masses. She also spearheads a YouTube channel titled “Incredible Marathi,” where 10-minute videos on books, authors, and other helpful information are shared, both in English and Hindi, to reach wider audiences and ensure the next generation can connect with Marathi culture.
For updates on the next staging of “Madhurav – Boru te Blog,” stay tuned to their Instagram handle, madhurav.official. This production is not just an ode to the past but a call to the present, ensuring Marathi language and literary heritage continues to thrive for future generations.
