Raj Rakht Play

NIIT University, on  August 20, 2024 had hosted a captivating performance of the play “Raj Rakt” by Naya Theatre in the Auditorium. The performance was organised with support from Spic Macay. An adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s “Visarjan”, this thought-provoking play delved into the complex interplay between the religious, and the secular authorities in a kingdom.

The team was welcomed by Rangmanch NU, the Theatrical Society of the university, who greeted the performers with rakhis, flowers, and a traditional teeka ceremony. This gesture set the stage for what followed to be a remarkable night of cultural exchange and learning.

The play which is about a powerful exploration of the conflict between religion, and state. The story follows King Govind Manikya, who was faced with the trauma of a young child witnessing a goat sacrifice, imposing a ban on all such rituals. This decision was the catalyst for a clash between the king and the priest Raghupati, who fought tirelessly to uphold religious traditions. Whereas, Jai Singh, the priest’s adopted son found himself torn between his loyalty to his Guru, and his respect for the king, as well as his love for Aparna, a young beggar girl who yearned to escape the conflict.

The performance was a masterclass in acting, with each artist bringing their characters to life with depth and nuance. The performance immersed everyone into a world of kings, priests, commoners, their struggles, and triumphs which resonated deeply with the audience.

The night was a resounding success, with the audience thoroughly enjoying the performance, and gaining valuable insights into the complexities of religion, state, and individual identity. The play surely left everyone in awe, and was a testament to the power of theatre in inspiring and educating the masses.