Poetry of Shah Abdul Latif, from the Shah Jo Risalo.

Shah Abdul Latif was born in Hala, Sindh, in the 18th century. His lifetime was witness to many historical events, but he had little interest in politics. His life was dedicated to poetry and his poetry recorded his experiences. He has been aptly called the people’s poet, revered by common folk and the elite alike. He is one of the greatest sufi poets in history along with Rumi and Mir Dard. Latif’s poetry is largely about love, the love of the Supreme, the love of humanity, depicting the seeker’s direct relationship with the Supreme instead of any particular religious group looking for scriptural instructions and injunctions. His major work, Shah Jo Risalo, composed of thirty surs, can be described as one long wail of firaq or separation from God. Known as one of the greatest Sufi works in history, the Shah Jo Risalo is a prayer, a cry for the beloved. Written more than 250 years ago, Latif’s poetry is deeply rooted in the human experience of searching for the self – a self that is one with the nirakaar, the omnipresent, centered within, yet diffuse as attar.

Anju Makhija, joining hands with Sindhi poet Hari Dilgir, provides contemporary readers with a rendering in free-verse the English translation of the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif, that captures the spirit and essence of his surs. Shah Abdul Latif:Seeking the Beloved which is the first English-language translation of the poetry of Latif, won the Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation in 2011. ‘

A Cry for the Beloved: Verses of Shah Abdul Latif’ is a poetic experience designed by Dr. Omkar Bhatkar using movement, music, animation and storytelling. Keeping in mind the formlessness of love and Sufi poetry, an attempt has been made here to create an experience for the audience by blending and breaking forms to create a harmonious picture transcending forms of theatre, dance, and film.

PERFORMANCES:

29th October 2023, SAPP Bandra (W)
31st October 2023, Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA.

20th January 2024, SAPP Bandra (W)
31st January 2024, Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA.

AN NCPA LIBRARY, PARU THAKUR FAMILY TRUST, SINDHI CULTURAL FOUNDATION & METAMORPHOSIS THEATRE INC. PRODUCTION.