Sri Aurobindo - Aurobindo's First Play: The Viziers of Bassora

Aurobindo's First Play: The Viziers of Bassora

The Viziers of Bassora was Aurobindo's first play. He wrote the play when he was in Baroda but the world came to know of this play that was written sometime between 1893 and 1906, in 1951. This play cannot be dismissed as a simple play attempted by a novice, young Aurobindo. Though it was written when he was in his twenties and The Life Divine many years later, the concept of evolution that he discusses there is reflected in a nascent form in this play also.The play should not be read in isolation but as an important link in the chain of his evolution. The play sums up young Aurobindo's vision. It anticipates the way he was going to move in future. It reflects his vision of a new world based on peace and harmony. The evolution of Nureddene, the hero of the play, reflects Sri Aurobindo's belief in the ultimate evolution of man. Two things that he emphasises and thinks crucial for man's evolution are love and suffering.Suffering, as the play suggests, is an instrument in the hands of God for perfecting our souls. Nureddene's suffering helps him evolve.