Niyati: The Oedipus Complex’ Directed by Ashok Banthia

03_Lot3_Pictures

Synopsis

Indivar (Oedipus) is deeply moved by the sufferings of his people due to untimely famine, occurrence of epidemic diseases and disaster. Karsan Singh (Creon), brings the information from Bhairav Devta that a cursed soul is the main cause of this disaster. The country cannot be saved until the culprit is exiled or hanged. Indivar invites a soothsayer Trikal Baba (Tiresias) to know the remedy of this disaster. Trikal Baba tells Indivar that a person, who has killed his own father, married his own mother and is the brother of his own children, is the only culprit and unless he is punished the situation will remain the same. Indivar, takes a vow to find out the culprit and save the country.

The story unfolds the ultimate truth in a very dramatic and suspenseful manner, an individual’s powerlessness against the course of destiny i.e., the Niyati: The Oedipus Complex.
Based upon Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, it brings out two different philosophies; the fundamental elements of Indian philosophy deal with the conflict between the theories of Karma versus destiny. On the other hand, Sophocles through his world-classic tragedy Oedipus Rex establishes destiny as the supreme and unquestionable power where man is just a hapless creature. The fundamental elements of Indian philosophy deal with the conflict between the theories of Karma versus destiny. On the other hand, Sophocles through his world-classic tragedy Oedipus Rex establishes destiny as the supreme and unquestionable power where man is just a hapless creature.

About The Director

Ashok Banthia, M.A. (Pol.Sc.), Dip. in Indian Theatre: Punjab University Chandigarh, Graduation : National School of Drama (1979-82), Dip. from National School of Dramatic Arts, Sydney, Australia. Acted under many eminent directors, in several plays, films and significant T.V. serials. Recipient of many awards including Maharashtra Rajya Hindi Sahitya Academi Award, Rajasthan Film Award – Best supporting Actor (2013), Hindi Seva Samman (M.P. Govt. 2013), Rajasthan Film Award (2014) Best Villain etc. Acted in more than 100 plays and directed the Last Train, Kanha-O-Kanha, S.D. Burman and many more. At present Director, Adults wing – Natyakulam, Jaipur.