Who's afraid of tigers in the congo?

Theu00a0guideu00a0tells you about a marathi experimental play that deals with aids awareness

Lovers of experimental theatre are in for a treat as a new Marathi play on social issues is about to be staged. Titled Congo Madhye Wagh Ahet Ka! (which translates into Are there tigers in the Congo?), the play has won acclaim since it was first published in 1985.


A still from Congo Madhye Wagh Ahet Ka!

You can watch an extended one act play on it being staged by the Maharashtra Cultural Center at Su-Darshan Rangamancha, which is considered as a leading light in the experimental theater scenario of Maharashtra.

The 70-minute play has been directed by Shrikant Gadre, who has also translated it into Hindi and Marathi as well. It focuses on two writers commissioned to write a humorous play on AIDS awareness who ultimately evolve with the play and write an intense play.

Two emerging actors from the experimental theater scene, Mandar Kulkarni and Devendra Joshi, will perform in the Marathi, Hindi and English versions of the play.

"I love theatre and have been involved in it for the last three decades. I have directed plays in Marathi, Hindi and English," says Shrikant. He also runs the Institute of New Media that deals with theatre, photography, videography, e-learning alongwith making short films that deal with social issues.

The makers are now planning to take this play to schools and colleges as well.

"It's an exciting experience for all of us. Shrikant helps us look at theatre from a new light each time. At each rehearsal we improvise and that makes it exciting and fun as well," says Mandar Kulkarni.

He adds, "This play deals with a social issues and we are targeting 30% of theatre lovers and 70% of working professionals from software companies, banks and the like."

This play was originally written by Swedish authors Bendt Alhfors and Johan Bargum in Finland and was rewritten in 2001. It has been translated into English by two American authors -- George Blescher and Lone Blescher.
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Over the last 25 years, the play has been translated into nearly 60 languages. Maharashtra Cultural Center has planned to stage Hindi, Marathi as well as English versions of this play.u00a0

Till: November 11 and 12, 7 pm onwards
At: Su-Darshan Rangamanch, Shanivar Peth.
Call: 9422000101