As the audience, captivated by the opera’s depth and artistry, rose for a standing ovation ,a testament to its success its creative excellence and an ability to inspire reflections on the philosophical richness of Kashmir.
Kashmir Pen Desk
On the forenoon of October 25, 2024, at the University of Kashmir’s Convocation Centre, a mesmerizing opera titled “Lal bo Drayas” – Lal Ded was performed to a packed audience. Attendees included top dignatries, esteemed professors, scholars, university students, and numerous figures from the realms of art and culture. The audience, exceeding 1,500 people, was treated to a grand and moving theatrical experience that was not only culturally enriching but also spiritually profound. Through the lens of opera, the production succeeded in introducing young audiences and new-age researchers to the life, philosophy, and enduring wisdom of the 13th-century Kashmiri mystic, Lal Ded.
“Lal bo Drayas” was crafted to revive and present the life and philosophy of Lal Ded in a manner that resonates with contemporary viewers. The opera focused on embodying her teachings and experiences, bridging the divide between historical understanding and modern-day relevance. By juxtaposing Lal Ded’s philosophical insights with today’s cultural landscape, the production honored Kashmir’s rich heritage while providing insight into her universal truths about love, spirituality, and the human journey toward self-discovery.
The storytelling structure interwove scenes from Lal Ded’s life with dialogues and modern reflections, a narrative strategy that allowed the opera to transcend time and space as a modern day Mystic and scholar and a young student unravel the mysteries of mysticism in Lal Ded’s poetic treasure. This dynamic framework encouraged viewers to not only appreciate the it but also to see themselves in the teachings of Lal Ded.
A key highlight besides other creative inclusions of the opera was its music, a thoughtfully arranged score by the highly revered Pt. Kishen Langoo. His music underscored Lal Ded’s teachings with a seamless blend of classical Kashmiri Sufi music and contemporary sounds, creating a musical landscape that spoke both to Lal Ded’s time and to the present. Raja Bilal’s gripping background score enhanced the dramatic intensity, adding layers of emotion to each scene and maintaining a cohesive and immersive soundscape that guided the audience through Lal Ded’s journey. The main lead vocalist of the opera was talented Shahi Mumtaaz who had sung the Waaks to perfection and by Raja Bilal, who were supported by Saima, Mubashir and Rasikh.
The opera’s stage design was not a traditional set but an installation, carefully constructed amidst the stage. This innovative choice added an immersive visual depth to the production, allowing the performance to unfold within an almost tangible representation of Lal Ded’s spiritual and philosophical journey. The installation was inspired by the paintings of the renowned Kashmiri artist G.R. Santosh, known for his pioneering work in translating tantric philosophy onto canvas. Designed by Arshad Mushtaq and executed with the collaborative efforts of students from the University of Kashmir’s Music and Fine Arts department,(Mr Irfan Lateef, Sabreena Firdousi,Rabia Mohi-ud-Din, Basit Qadir, Suhail Khan, Rahil Sajad,Sheraz Shafi) the set successfully brought an authentic Kashmiri aesthetic to life, establishing a profound connection to Lal Ded’s mystical heritage.
The cast of “Lal bo Drayas” included some of Kashmir’s most talented and esteemed actors, led by veteran Yousuf Shahnaaz (as Lal Ded’s Guru), alongside Ashraf Nagoo, Shahnawaaz Bhat (as a modern mystic and a scholer), Haseena Sofi, Josy Mir, Malik Mushtaq, Yousur Soorma, Shakil Naqaash, Nasir Khan, Tanweer Dar, Shabir Haqak, and Hilal Khan besides others. These actors performed with exceptional skill, each embodying their roles with a deep understanding of the opera’s thematic undertones, and brought out the nuanced layers of Lal Ded’s teachings.
An extraordinary aspect of the casting was the inclusion and debut on stage of five young female artists, each representing different stages of Lal Ded’s life. This decision not only illustrated the continuity of her spiritual evolution but also showcased the strength and universality of her character. Anika R. Farash as a modern young scholar, while Areeba Rashid Farash(17) played the mystic in her later years. Ruksana Khan(15) played Lal in her younger days and other child artists Maham Sajjad Khan(7) and Hafsa Adil(6) contributed remarkable performances, adding youthful energy and authenticity to the narrative.
The voice artists also included Sajjad Khan, Shaheena Reshi apart from the actors on the stage were also praised for their voice textures and authentic renditions.
Originally written in English by Arshad Mushtaq, the opera was translated into Hindi for this performance by Mir Maqbool. This linguistic adaptation made the production more accessible to the local audience while retaining the essence of Lal Ded’s poetic philosophy. The dialogue and lyrics were crafted carefully to resonate with the audience while preserving the sanctity of Lal Ded’s teachings.
The opera’s technical crew deserves special mention for their adept handling of lighting, stage management, costuming, and makeup. Bilal Baghat’s lighting design enhanced the emotional tone of each scene, casting a hauntingly beautiful aura around the stage . Tahir Najar’s efficient stage management ensured a seamless flow from one scene to the next, while Reyaz Mir’s costume designs and styling faithfully represented traditional Kashmiri attire, adding an essential layer of cultural authenticity. Tabassum’s makeup work subtly accentuated each character, helping bring their personalities and emotional arcs to life. Manzoor Dar had used modern set construction techniques to bring to the for the complicated set instillation by assembling a work of art on stage. Faizan Bhat supported in the backstage and assisted for the production.
As both director and designer, Arshad Mushtaq brought a uniquely immersive vision to “Lal bo Drayas”, crafting a performance that vividly portrayed Lal Ded’s journey and the enduring resonance of her teachings. Mushtaq, a respected figure in Kashmiri theatre, known for his nuanced understanding of Kashmiri heritage and theatre craft, focused on presenting Lal Ded’s spiritual wisdom in a way that would resonate with young audiences and scholars alike. His leadership in this ambitious project was backed by Peather baraye’ Kasheer, a theatre group dedicated to showcasing the cultural richness of Kashmir and advancing a narrative of unity, compassion, and introspection.
The production concluded to thunderous applause, and the audience, captivated by the performance’s depth and artistry, rose for a standing ovation.
The opera’s success lies not only in its creative excellence but also in its ability to inspire reflection among the audience on the philosophical richness of Kashmiri culture. “Lal bo Drayas” was highly praised by critics and attendees alike, who recognized it as a milestone in cultural theatre for its profound contribution to the preservation and dissemination of Kashmiri heritage.
The presence of so many dignitaries, scholars, and students in the audience reflected a communal desire to reconnect with Lal Ded’s wisdom. For younger generations and researchers, the opera opened a new avenue to explore Kashmiri aesthetics, literature, and spirituality, showing the timeless relevance of Lal Ded’s teachings.
“Lal bo Drayas” – Lal Ded succeeded on multiple levels—artistically, intellectually, and culturally. The opera achieved its goal of not only honoring Lal Ded’s legacy but also inspiring a renewed appreciation for Kashmiri philosophy. The visionary direction, innovative set design, and mesmerizing music were all instrumental in creating an experience that was both visually stunning and spiritually stirring. This production stands as a testament to the power of performing arts to bridge historical divides and resonate with audiences across generations, ensuring that the philosophy of Lal Ded continues to illuminate the path for future seekers.
As the final curtain fell, the echo of applause and the collective sense of awe left no doubt that “Lal bo Drayas” had indeed touched the hearts of those present, marking an important step in celebrating and preserving the essence of Kashmiri mysticism for years to come.
The event staging at the University was organized by Ms Vandana Daftari and supported by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and Art of Living.
