Grand Opening of the 23rd Natsamrat Natya Utsav with Marilyn Monroe
The 23rd Natsamrat Natya Utsav commenced on 28 February with great cultural fervor at the iconic LTG Auditorium, Mandi House, New Delhi—a venue widely regarded as the heart of the capital’s vibrant theatre movement. The opening evening marked not only the beginning of a new festival edition but also a renewed celebration of meaningful and socially conscious theatre.
The ceremony began with the traditional lamp-lighting ritual (Deep Prajwalan), symbolizing knowledge, artistic awakening, and collective creative energy. The inaugural lamp was jointly lit by Natsamrat’s Director Shyam Kumar, theatre director Ashraf Ali, theatre director Ishwar Shunya, writer Rajesh Singh, and Vipin Kumar. Their shared presence on stage reflected the collaborative spirit and artistic dedication that define the Natsamrat platform.
The festival opened with the compelling production “Marilyn Monroe: My Crush,” written and directed by Ashraf Ali. Inspired by the life and legacy of Marilyn Monroe, the play moves beyond the glittering aura of fame to examine the psychological and emotional complexities concealed behind an iconic public image. Rather than portraying Monroe merely as a symbol of glamour and success, the production explores themes of identity, projection, vulnerability, and the societal pressures imposed upon women.
The narrative unfolds around three young men sharing a room and their friend Malti, whose resemblance to Marilyn Monroe becomes the starting point of the drama. What begins as light-hearted teasing—calling her “Marilyn”—gradually evolves into a deeper psychological enactment. The name turns into a role, and Malti slowly begins to inhabit the persona projected onto her.
As the three male characters assume the roles of men associated with Marilyn Monroe’s life, the stage transforms into a charged space where complex dynamics of love, attraction, authority, and control come to the forefront. The play thoughtfully questions how society often confines women within constructed images, overlooking their emotional depth and individuality. Through layered performances and subtle dramatic tension, the production highlights how identity can become distorted when shaped by external expectations rather than inner truth.
The emotional high point of the play arrives when Malti reclaims her authentic self, breaking free from the image that sought to define her. This climactic moment leaves a lasting impact on the audience, transforming the performance into a resonant statement on dignity, autonomy, and self-realization.
The evening concluded with a gesture of appreciation and recognition. The director of the play was presented with a commemorative memento, while all participating artists were awarded certificates of the Natya Utsav. The honors were conferred by senior theatre practitioner Arvind Gaur, writer Rajesh Singh, and Natsamrat Director Shyam Kumar, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating serious theatre practice.
With a dignified inauguration and an intellectually engaging opening production, the first evening of the 23rd Natsamrat Natya Utsav set an inspiring tone for the festival ahead, reaffirming its position as a significant platform for contemporary theatrical expression.
