Safdarjung

GHALIB IN NEW DELHI, has been playing for the last ten years. The play deals with Mirza Ghalib’s re-birth in 21st century India – precisely, the trials and tribulations of an old timer like Ghalib in a new-fangled metropolis like our beloved -bustling-busy and brash capital.
The play has attracted audiences in hundreds on weekends. It is all set to do so on weekdays as well.

This rip-roaring comedy has the great erstwhile Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib revisiting his beloved ‘Dehli’, now ironically ‘Delhi’, in 2008 to witness his posthumous fame, something that was quite elusive in his lifetime.

The entire plot revolves around Ghalib striving against an omnipotent identity crisis, beginning with the occupants of his ‘Haveli’ mistaking him as Ghalib’s ‘Jinn’. This forces him to stay with a ‘Bihari’ boy, Jai Hind, a Delhi University student, in a servant quarter. His confidence is further shattered when Jai Hind and his landlady Mrs. Chaddha recognize his worth only through the voice of Jagjit Singh, and the screen portrayal of Naseeruddin Shah. Persuaded by the duo and in desperate need of recognition, Ghalib decides to ‘sell’ himself. The consequent press conference turns out to be a damp squib with the journalists being more interested in post-conference snacks and juicy headlines. Ghalib then opts for an advertising agency to perpetuate his presence in the minds of the people. What is the fate of Ghalib? Does his rebirth spell further disaster? Is Delhi a mere travesty of his hopes and aspirations? The answer lies in watching Ghalib in New Delhi, a laugh riot posing some serious questions about the stagnating moral codes.

Venue: ALLIANCE FRANCAISE, 72, Lodhi Estate, Near IIC

Duration- 1.40 hrs

Remarks
The Times Of India- A delightfully irreverent script
The Hindu- A refreshing expose of life around us.
The Statesman- A play marked for the unprecedented attendance.
The Asian Age- Enthralling and amusing
The Tribune - An interesting stuff of a burlesque rib tickling comedy
The Hindustan Times – A fun-filled play
The Pioneer - Splitting performances by the cast
The Indian Express - An unmitigated success
Delhi Times (TOI)- Satirical, hilarious and witty

Tickets priced at Rs 500/- Rs. 300/- Rs 200/- & Rs 100/-, available at the venue on the show day. For tele-booking, Bulk & Corporate booking contact: 9810255291, 9810460366, 29944635, 40506826  and pierrotstroupe@yahoo.com www.pierrotstheatre.com