In his debut venture as a director, Sachin Gurjale brings out the fate of professionals in big cities
In his debut venture as a director, Sachin Gurjale brings out the fate of professionals in big cities
Once a corporate rat, theatre person Sachin Gurjale always felt that in cities people have no time to figure out their lives. Few years ago when he read The Memorandum by playwright and the first president of Czech Republic, V clav Havel, he realised that this play is a perfect reflection of his belief. With a wish to bring on stage the fate of urban life, brings on stage the English play The Memorandum, this weekend, that is translated by Vera Blackwell. A venture by city-based group Rafiki Productions, this play is also Sachin's debut directorial
endeavor. 
Sachin reveals that initially he found The Memorandum to be 'disturbing and intangible at one level.' However, he gradually realised that the play is timeless and is relevant for all those who have tasted corporate life. He says, "This play is a direct metaphor and shows how bureaucracy and corruption exist in offices. It tells us how the fast paced city life alienates us from ourselves. We are too busy to ask what is wrong with our lives."
Sachin adds that the play strictly adheres to the original script but the location and period have been changed to fit the time and space.
The play records a day in the life of Joseph Gross, the managing director of an unnamed organisation. A toothless tiger, Gross shares superficial relationship with his colleagues. Gurjale shares that the interpersonal relationships in the office is shallow and shows how work life is marred by red tape and pretence. However, The Memorandum shows a day in Joseph's office when he opposes the introduction of Ptydepe, a fictitious language in office. A memorandum in Ptydepe is drafted. The management wants to use Ptydepe as it is a scientific language and is devoid of the emotional overtones and ambiguity of common languages like English and so on. The new language aims to be precise but seems confusing to Joseph, who desperately wants the memorandum to be translated. However, Joseph's protests to stop using Ptydepe is not heard and as the play progresses we see how his principles, reasons and authority are shattered one by one.
Sachin confesses that Joseph is his favourite character as he symbolises the common man's struggle to make his voice heard. "We believe that a democracy is by and for the people. But in reality we are powerless. As a common man, we try to rebel but most of the times our rebellion is crushed," says Sachin.
Where Ranga Shankara, JP Nagar
On July 30, 7.30 pm July 31, 3.30 and 7.30 pm
Call 9886334291
For Rs 100
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