3 plays

One day in Ashada, the first play I watched in Chennai.

This city has something about it, very very different from the rest of the cities I have been to. The plays are more real, they are conceptualised better, even the plays that are not made here are received better by the audience here. Or atleast I feel so.

One day in Ashada (done by Madras Players) was about the life of Kalidasa. I rate the play very high, some amazing performances, a great mix of music, dance and drama. A play about a playwright. Great lighting and sound effects. References to Kalidasa's works in between the play in a way that is not at all jarring. Dance performances in between, again not at all jarring, absolutely in sync with the rest of the play.

The next play I watched was Antigone, by Motley, was an absolute disappointment. Even Naseeruddin Shah could not save the play. It was so sad to see a story of such magnificence as Antigone treated in such a bare manner. It seemed like a half hearted attempt, and one that was done because it had to be done. Some very 'potentially powerful and beautiful scenes' were reduced to mere orations, just because Naseeruddin Shah can speak well. No lighting or sound effects whatsoever. All in all a very major let down.

Cinematograph's Hamlet- The Clown Prince saved the Metroplus Theatre Festival in Chennai. Total laughter riot. Rajat Kapoor's direction leaves nothing to ask for. Atul Kumar's performance was awesome. The clowns left the audience in splits right through the play. I am so glad I went for the play. (was down with fever, but i got well with a vengeance, only to catch the play!)