Mahabhoj by Manu Bhandari was written following the Belchhi Kaand (Belchhi massacre) in 1977; initially written as a novel in 1979 and later adopted into a play. It is a story of how the death of a Dalit person gets politicized, playing with public’s sentiment and manipulation of situation to benefit authority. The play dives into the powerplay and politics, and is relevant even today. Possibly digging into the reality of who controls the world and how it is intently designed to keep common population away from their basic rights. Revelation of filth is what makes the play a bold and necessary state to comprehend.

Writer

Mannu Bhandari (1931 – 2021) was an Indian author, screenplay writer, teacher, and playwright. Primarily known for her Hindi novels, Aap Ka Bunty and Mahabhoj, she also wrote many short stories, screenplays for television and films, and adaptations for theatre. She was a pioneer of the Nayi Kahani movement in Hindi literature, which focused on the aspirations of the emerging Indian middle class, educated women, relationships, gender equality, and caste discrimination in India. Her writings have been widely adapted and translated in languages like French, German, and English. She received numerous awards in India for her work, including the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan and the Vyas Samman.

Director

Vipin Kumar is a theatre actor, director, and an alumnus of the NSD. He has worked as an actor with the NSD Repertory Company, and with several eminent theatre directors, portraying diverse characters. he currently serves as the Artistic Director at LTG (Little Theatre Group), Mandi House, New Delhi. He has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2023), along with the Bharat Ratna Atal Sewa Samman (2019).

Director’s Note

In the scorching heat of our times, Mannu Bhandari’s Mahabhoj stands as a powerful mirror to society— reflecting hunger, injustice, and deep-rooted hierarchies. As a director, I am drawn to its timeless relevance and sharp social commentary. This production aims to connect with contemporary audiences, sparking reflection on the persistent struggles of the marginalized and the urgent need for equality and justice.

Group  

Little Theatre Group (LTG) Repertory is a theatre company based in New Delhi, India, housed at the LTG Auditorium near Mandi House. It has provided a platform for new playwrights, young directors, and emerging actors. It has contributed significantly to Indian theatre by nurturing talent and producing memorable plays for over five decades.