The journey of two Brahmin widows living in the midst of the satras in the post-independence era is the theme of “Apekshya”. The elephant as symbol of man’s strength and means of livelihood underscores a setting revealing disaster in the lives of many: Even in the Satras, prominent in the direction of the society, the grip of opium, and flourishing post independence Communism became a headache for the Adhikar of satras.

The widows Durga and Horu Gokhani both support religion and Sanskaras, although with very different aims. Both wore betel leaves on their feet taking care not to touch the ground, during their menstruation. Durga anticipated her in-laws to come and take her to her husband’s home and her only dream was to go to Kashi to release her dead husband’s remains ASTHI and to shave her head. Horu Gokhani was courageous and determined. After her opium-addicted husband died she carried on her family on her own. She also kept a man close to her, as her heart wanted to dream.

Sometimes even the powerful elephant gets mad – just as the men of the satras become agitated. But are the wishes, and dreams of these two lonely women fulfilled?

Biographies

Baharul Islam

Baharul Islam graduated from the National School of Drama (Acting).

He has designed and directed many plays: Urukha, Yayati, Saraighat, Abhimoinnyu, Jatra, Simar Sipare, Guwahati Guwahati, Holi, Apeksha, Court Marshal, Moi premar pinjarat bandi that have played in festivals for Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Nandikar, E z c c, Sangeet Natak Academy, Prithvi, Nehru Centre, and PDA festivals. He designed and directed a play in Kannada, Modola Gitti for Ninasam Repertory Company (2003-2004). Most recently he designed and directed Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? for the National School of Drama Repertory Company, New Delhi (2006). In July of the same year he directed Anton Chekhov’s Seagull for the Rangayana Repertory Company, Mysore. Baharul designed Octave 2006, a Festival in the northeast at Pragati Maiden, New Delhi 7 – 14 March, 2006, organised by the Indian Ministry of Culture.

Baharul has acted in Assamese feature films and radio plays regularly for twenty years. He spent 4 years with Mobile Theatre (Bhrayamaman) in Assam as Actor-Director working with groups: Bhagyadevi, Kohinoor, Anirvaan and Meghdoot, during which time he directed and performed extensively. He has acted in telefilm, serials and features, has directed a feature film, short film, and has produced and directed documentaries and a serial.

He received the Monohar Singh Smriti Award from the National School Of Drama for his contribution to theatre (2005). He has written 3 plays including Apeksha.  

At present, he is the Director of Seagull and a member of Indian Council for Cultural Relations Advisory Committee.

FEROZA BEGUM

Feroza Begum was born in 1964 at Diphu, a small hill station of Assam. After her graduation from Cotton College, she completed an M.A. in Assamese Literature from Guwahati University, where she resides.

She has worked on translations of Assamese articles, and currently works as a school teacher. She leads a parallel life as an actor, for which she has held a lifelong interest. She draws increasing recognition in this field, having received numerous state awards. She has acted in over forty plays nationally such as: Yatra, Apeksha, Ashar Ka Ek Din, Shakharam Bainder, Ghasiram Kotowal, Ranga Nadir Par, Kecha Pitalar Sas, Alap Astarag and Raja Ahe. Firoja has acted in TV productions in Assamese and Hindi. She now works with children and has directed children’s plays. She remans active in regional socio-cultural activities.  

In 1993, she joined the Seagull Group headed by Baharul Islam, acting in various national festivals with this group.