PU’s Department of Indian Theatre to open its Annual Production ‘Jasma Odan’ 

Chandigarh, May 12, 2023: Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University, Chandigarh is going to open its Annual Production ‘JASMA ODAN’ written by Shanta Gandhi. The play is Designed and Directed by Dr. Navdeep Kaur, Chairperson, Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
 
While speaking about the play performance Dr. Navdeep Kaur said that theatre is a vital part of every culture in the world. Performed on-stage for the audience, theatre is the real-time expression of art that is both purposeful and entertaining therefore the significance of theatre in the cultural landscape is not only important but necessary.
 
Bhavai, the traditional theatre of Gujarat (Western India) originated in the 13th -14th century. Despite its emotional nature Bhavai grew to be a reformist theatre, unlike other dance-drama forms with religious themes. In Bhavai, music elements from the north Indian Classical Music tradition as well as local melodies are used. Jasma has been performed in Gujarat (Western India) by traditional Bhavai actors for many centuries.
 
While talking about the process of the play production Dr. Navdeep, the director of the play said that the reason and the thought behind choosing this script was to explore the folk traditions, pristine Culture of Gujarat. In fact it has been designed to explore how to bridge the gap between our traditions, our roots and the modern sensibility. She explained that the search of new theatre language in modern times cannot be completed without looking back and taking inspirations from our roots. During the process two Bhavai artists Sh. Madhavalal Keshavlal Nayak & Sh. Nayak Baratkumar from Gujarat had been called to train the students in the said traditional form.
 
Divulging on the making of this mega production during 45 days, Dr. Navdeep Kaur shared that 35 actors from MA-I & MA-II from different states and backgrounds will enact multiple roles on all six days, in addition to others providing technical support. Music being an integral part of this production is designed by Dr. Tejinder Singh, Asst. Director, Department of Youth Welfare, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
 
This year's annual production will be dedicated in the remembrance of Prof. Mohan Mahrishi Ji who left us for his eternal journey on 9th of May 2023. Prof. Mohan Maharishi has served the Department of Indian Theatre from 17-01-1980 to 31-01-2002.
 
The shows will be from 13th - 18th May 2023. The show timings will be 7pm onwards every day in the studio theatre of the department.

BRIEF 
Chandigarh, May 12, 2023: This is for the information of the candidates in particular and public in general that the Panjab University has decided to re-schedule the PU-B.Ed. – 2023 Entrance Test for the Colleges of Education affiliated to Panjab University, Chandigarh situated in Union Territory, Chandigarh only on 23rd July 2023 instead of 4th June 2023. Detailed schedule will be available on the concerned website shortly. Said a release issued by PU, Chandigarh today.