As the week-long Arunachal Rang Mahotsav moves toward its grand finale on December 6, the prestigious international theatre festival delivered one of its most compelling moments on Thursday night with a stirring performance by Delhi-based actor Jhilmil Hazarika. Her lead role in the acclaimed production To Kill or Not to Kill held the audience in deep silence, later erupting into overwhelming applause as the play reached its dramatic conclusion. Directed by renowned theatre practitioner Ovlyakuli Khodjakuli, the production stood out not only for its strong emotional core but also for its striking visual design. The intense fire-themed climax, executed with precision and restraint, left the hall reverberating with astonishment. Viewers described the final moments as “unforgettable,” praising the play for its courage in embracing bold theatrical imagery.
At its heart, To Kill or Not to Kill is a philosophical exploration that brings two towering figures of world literature — Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Euripides’ Medea — into a single narrative frame. Through their encounters, the production examines questions that continue to trouble societies across cultures: moral responsibility, cycles of violence, and the hidden turmoil that shapes human decisions. The play’s title becomes a direct reference to the ethical crossroads the characters confront, urging the audience to question how justice, suffering and personal trauma define the choices individuals make. Festival Director Riken Ngomle hailed the performance as one of the most impactful of this year’s edition. Speaking after the show, he said the staging captured the festival’s spirit of artistic dialogue and experimentation. He added that with To Kill or Not to Kill marking the final international entry of the 2025 Mahotsav, the event will now shift its focus to regional talent and homegrown productions for the remaining sessions.
Looking ahead, Ngomle announced that the upcoming showcase on December 6 will feature Money Money Money Brighter than Sunshine Sweeter Than Honey, an interactive Hindi–Nyishi theatre production created by artists from Keyi Panyor district. Directed by noted actor-trainer and theatre educator Rilli Ngomle, the play offers a sharp commentary on the growing prominence of “money culture” in daily life. It investigates how financial aspirations influence relationships, alter decision-making and reshape collective values within communities.
