Lost Art of Urdu Storytelling Revived in Prisons

Mahmood Farooqui, celebrated for reviving the ancient Urdu storytelling art of Dastangoi, discusses his impactful work. He noted the complete absence of performance models when he began, relying on scholarly guidance and intuition to reintroduce the art form. His efforts have significantly reintroduced 'dastan' into contemporary usage.

Farooqui's experience directing a theatre class in Tihar prison is a testament to art's transformative power. He engaged inmates, many illiterate, in workshops that offered catharsis and built confidence. This project aimed to restore their sense of humanity and dignity within the coercive prison environment.

The prison theatre initiative proved profoundly beneficial, not only for the inmates' personal growth but also for the overall prison atmosphere. Participants found renewed self-esteem, with many pursuing careers outside prison as instructors or public speakers. The performances provided moments of escapism, allowing inmates to temporarily forget their troubles.

Reflecting on prison life, Farooqui emphasizes that incarceration is the punishment, not a justification for further suffering. He highlights the daily deprivations and humiliation faced by inmates, regardless of their legal standing. The drama class offered a vital space for self-expression and humanity, proving that every individual deserves dignity.