Rohtas Theatre Festival Opens with Powerful Staging of ‘Poos Ki Raat’
Folk performances and classic literature blend on Day 1; three-day festival runs till March 27
Rohtas: The three-day Rohtas Theatre Festival commenced on March 25 at Imperial Banquet Hall, Mokar, bringing together vibrant folk traditions and meaningful theatre. The festival, which will continue till March 27, 2026, is being organized by Rainbow, Rohtas with the support of the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, Government of Bihar.
The opening day witnessed an engaging showcase of traditional folk dances including Jhijhiya, Jat-Jatin, and Kajri, setting a lively tone for the event and captivating the audience.
The highlight of the evening was the theatrical adaptation of Munshi Premchand’s celebrated story “Poos Ki Raat.” Directed by Ajit Kumar, with dramatization and conceptualization by Raj Kapoor, and co-direction by Nisha Kumari, the play struck an emotional chord with the audience.
The narrative revolves around the struggles of a poor farmer, Halku, and his wife Munni, portraying the harsh realities of poverty, debt, and survival during a freezing winter night. Forced to guard his field without adequate protection from the cold, Halku’s helplessness and quiet suffering were brought to life on stage with depth and sensitivity.
Devendra Kumar Jha as Halku and Tannu Kumari as Munni delivered compelling performances, earning widespread appreciation. Supporting actors including Tanuja, Anurag Aditya, Randhir, Suraj, Sunny, Guddu, Vaishnavi, Archana, Tanu Priya, Shreya, Sneha, and Pankaj Jetli also contributed significantly to the production’s success.
The opening day concluded on a high note, leaving the audience deeply moved. Organizers have promised more such enriching performances in the coming days, making the festival a significant cultural event in the region.