The mother remembered
ROMESH CHANDER
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"Mother Teresa... " was a moving experience.
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FOR THE LOVE OF GOD A scene from the play.
Dramaturge-cum-filmmaker Arun Kukreja is a unique phenomenon in Delhi's cultural scene. In 1972 along with some friends he formed the Ruchika Theatre group for which he has directed more than 60 plays. He has so for written 10 original full-length plays of which, one feels "Dashanan" based on the Ramayana and Ravana's point of view presented by the well-known actor-director Ram Gopal Bajaj was brilliant. Two other plays that explored new vistas were presented in English by Sunit Tandan: "Bhagwata Geeta" giving, as it were, Arjuna's interpretation of it and then "Buddha".
Kukreja has many firsts to his credit. So far he has directed 12 experimental films under the banner of his company Cinemaghar. Out of which "Sangeet Yachnan" starring Alka Ameen with music by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was India's first one-actor silent film. Then we had the one-actress talkie "Ashta Naayika" starring Sharmila Tagore with music by Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. His latest cinematic work is on the 125-year history of St. Stephen's College. His latest play "Mother Teresa, a Tribute in Theatre" presented by Ruchika as a play reading rather than as an enactment was yet another experiment that Arun often tries out with the audience.
Play on the mother
The play opens with Mother Teresa silhouetted in prayers. Her voiceover `Love one another' forms the backdrop. The spotlight comes on a man (played by Sunit Tandon)with a laptop who introduces himself as Arun Rai, a journalist with BBC London. He is here to interview the most famous, beloved, admired and revered woman in the world. He describes Mother Teresa as almost like a butterfly that is difficult to catch.
A brief profile on the mother is being read out. Mother Teresa finishesher prayers and the interview begins. The journalist asks her to describe herself. She replies, "I am nothing. I am but an instrument. A tiny pencil in the hands of the Lord with which he writes what He likes. He writes beautifully," says the Mother. But who is He? asks the journalist. "God," says the Mother. But does God exist? "Yes there is only one God and He is God to all; therefore it is important that everyone is seen as equal before God. The journalist asksif she is a religious imperialist; she says, "Let every action of mine be something beautiful for God. I have always said that we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim, a Catholic a better Catholic. I would like to help you to find God." The journalist asks why the Mother is always talking only of the poor, to which she replies, "Because we do not realise the greatness of the poor and how much they give us. Give them not only your care but also your heart. My true community is the poor. Their security is my security; their health is my health. Is it not our mission to give God to the poor in the slums? Not a deed God but a living, loving God. People are naked not only for clothing but for the human dignity that has been stolen from them. The biggest disease today is not leprosy, tuberculosis or AIDS but the feeling of being destitute and unwanted. Love is a fruit of all season and within the reach of every hand. Everything I do is the fruit of love, because my life is an expression of love. You must love with your time, your hands and your hearts." The interviewer asks about the ideal prayer? "The Prayer of silence," he gets the answer. The journalist wonders how all sisters working with the Mother look so happy in spite of being nicknamed the slum sisters? "We want the poor to feel loved. We cannot go to them with sad faces. God loves a cheerful giver."
Questions and answers on almost every aspect of life including abortion and adoption, as also on her simple dress follows. A touching play indeed. The cast acted with remarkable restraint, particularly Sohaila Kapoor, whose lines were a delight to hear, but I feel that Sunit Tandon needs to give some more thought to his role.
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