Let the plays begin

A glimpse of Miracle on Matunga Street

Natakon ka suhana safar ab phir shuru hoga - The happy journey of plays begins again," says a beaming Ila Arun over a Zoom call. Her theatre company has been rehearsing for a four-day festival which will feature two new plays written by her and directed by KK Raina.

Apart from Arun, the plays feature a talented cast including Ira Dubey, Aseem Hattangadi and Donna Munshi. "I love to wake up and head to rehearsals; it energises me. When the actors rehearsed for the first time, they were thrilled. Prithvi is like a temple for us, and while there have been a few shows post the pandemic, this will be the first festival," says Arun.

Ira Dubey as Hardit Kaur Gill

Their first play, Hardit Kaur Gill, is an Indian adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's most popular masterpiece, Hedda Gabler. This play is a relatable adaptation that focuses on how the current generation often finds itself easily disillusioned and disappointed. "From Ibsen's plays also, we picked plays that are relevant today in the Indian context," says Raina. In the past, Arun has adapted 10 to 12 plays, including Peer Ghani, Marichika, Peecha Karti Parchaiyan, Chota Kashmir, and A Doll's House. Many have been written by Ibsen. "His plays are relevant to our political and social scenario today. An adaptation is not just translating a play but placing the writer's thoughts in a different environment, place and time, while retaining the voice of the original, and ensuring that those thoughts are communicated to the audience," adds Arun.

The second play, Miracle on Matunga Street, is based on Tom Dudzick's American play, Miracle on South Division Street. In Arun's adaptation, the story revolves around a matriarch, who tends to the family heirloom - a 20-foot shrine of the Blessed Mother Velankanni Amma that adjoins the house. "In this play, the writer questions people's faith and miracles. The playwright is rational and logical but he doesn't offend; instead he makes his point with humour," Raina explains.

KK Raina in Yeh Raste Hain Pyar Ke

Yeh Raste Hain Pyar Ke was written by Arun after she observed the plight of senior citizens during the pandemic. It focuses on two elderly people, who attempt to break free from the isolation of their empty lives caused due to constant lockdowns. "Countless seniors suffered during the pandemic since their kids were abroad. Children must follow their ambitions but a bridge needs to be created, to ensure concern towards each other is maintained," elaborates Raina. They are staging 10 shows for this play since they wanted seniors to watch it and feel hopeful that all is not lost. "I will be doing three shows that day; I hope I don't mix up my lines," chuckles Arun.

"People warned us to not host this festival because of the 50 per cent audience cap. We will face a loss but if we have this opportunity; it's our responsibility to get things rolling. People need to restart their lives," explains Raina "I find it strange that people sit at Prithvi's café but don't watch a play. The hummus and pizza costs more than the ticket. So many theatre groups are doing great work. It's wholesome entertainment that makes you think while you enjoy the performance. I hope more people come to the theatre," summarises Arun before heading out for her rehearsal.

On: November 11 to 14
At: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu.
Log on to: prithvitheatre.org
Cost: Rs 500 per play