In a powerful celebration of literature and local talent, Abhivyakti will stage Munshi Premchand’s timeless short story “Kafan” on August 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Bliss, Raudi, Dharampur (Solan).
Directed by Amala Rai, the performance features local actors Pankaj, Suraj, and Saurabh, with Suneel Sinha composing the music. Set and props are managed by Saurabh Sharma, and costumes by Pankaj Sharma.
This production marks Abhivyakti’s ongoing commitment to fostering art and culture in Himachal Pradesh since 1994. Since 2021, the group has been working closely with children and youth in Raudi Panchayat, staging seven plays including performances at Shimla’s historic Gaiety Theatre and various inter-panchayat cultural events.
The staging of Kafan coincides with Munshi Premchand’s birth anniversary (July 31), honoring the literary giant whose work continues to resonate deeply. The story lays bare the brutal realities of poverty, apathy, and moral erosion through the unsettling choices of a father-son duo, Ghisu and Madhav. After the death of Madhav’s wife during childbirth, the two men collect donations for her funeral but instead squander it on food and drink — a grim reflection on how destitution can erode not only livelihoods but human values.
This local rendition promises to be a raw and poignant experience, offering both a cultural tribute and a mirror to society’s forgotten corners.
For all those who value theatre with a conscience, Kafan is not to be missed.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
