J&K theatre group performs Kashmiri play ‘Damkoothar’

Srinagar, Oct 6: The Young Dramatists Society Srinagar, a renowned theatre group from Jammu and Kashmir, performed the Kashmiri play “Damkoothar” in celebration of the 155th Gandhi Jayanti.

The event was sponsored and approved by the North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, under the Scheme of Cultural Function and Production Grants (CFPG).

The play was staged at Amar Singh College, Srinagar, with the Principal serving as the Chief Guest of the program. “Damkoothar,” a one-hour performance, was written by the late Syed Yaqoob Dilkash and adapted from his book “Asi Kot Gatchav (Zulmaat).” It was directed by the acclaimed theatre artist Altaf Hussain, known for his expertise in theatrical arts. The auditorium was filled with an engaged audience, and the college students gained a new experience in modern theatre techniques.

The play received widespread appreciation for its engaging script, direction, and performances, contributing to the cultural significance of the occasion. "Damkoothar" is a Kashmiri folk theatre play that explores themes of human values, justice, and morality. The drama unfolds in a village where societal conflicts and class struggles are evident. The central storyline focuses on how greed, power, and corruption distort human values, leading to the exploitation of the vulnerable.

A key aspect of the play is the tension between the wealthy and the marginalized, with justice being manipulated by those in power. However, through the actions of a few morally upright characters, the play emphasizes that true justice can only be achieved by upholding fairness, equality, and compassion.