Mumbai performance: Eight one-act plays offer keen insight into human emotions

RehearsalsAt first glimpse the eight oneact plays clubbed together seem to have nothing in common The viewer is transported from a cafeacute in Kolkata to a terrace in Mumbai and even beyond to a world built on fantasy While some plays explore topics like sexuality others talk of addiction and escape from reality Thats why its called Tangent explains Amoolya Narayan director of the upcoming show that will debut at a Bandra space later this weekBut ask Tathagata Chowdhury cofounder of Theatrecian the theatre company thats bringing Tangent to Mumbai on what holds the diverse acts together and he says They explore complex human relationships and offer insight into complicated human behaviour what makes us tick how emotions and thoughts can go together or tear us apartAn adaptation of several international plays Tangent has been moulded to suit Indian audiences Narayan says I chose the plays based on the conversations were having in urban India For instance Anything for you written by Cathy Celesia was originally set in New York in 1993 But Tangent has Mumbai serving as the backdrop even as two women who have been friends for several years begin to explore their feelings for each other As Indias apex court looks into Section 377 of the Indian penal code which criminalises sexual activities which are against the order of nature the play once again pushes us to question our individual and collective attitudes towards homosexualityAmoolya NarayanStars written by Romulus Linney and set in NYC now plays out at an apartment in Worli An emotional dance plays out between a man and a woman who step out from a party to smoke a cigarette on the terrace In those few minutes will these strangers connect deeply on an emotional level or is this a hookup with no strings attached These are the questions the audience will be asking themselves in the short span of this oneact dramaAlex Brouns 10000 cigarettes explores the dynamics of addiction yet another familiar narrative across the country not limited to the cities as four chainsmoking sisters meet at their fathers funeral who passed away of lung cancer They grieve together not just the loss of their father but also the eventual loss of their health and lives as they share details about their addiction Narayan reveals Its a nonjudgmental look at addiction The audience will accompany these women as they recall when they first smoked a cigarette and when it began to control them and will be left exploring the unanswered why we deliberately engage in habits that harm and devour usNarayan who will be starring in Stars is aware of the dual challenge As a director I need to be in control but as an actor I am required to surrender Of acting in short plays she says Its difficult for us to switch between emotions so swiftly For 15odd minutes were playing characters giddily in love made to feel special by our love interests in the next 10 minutes were just a faceless person in the crowds of VT CST station grappling with lonelinessWith each varied character the practical aspects of costume and makeup changes in a limited time period also surface While it might be challenging for the cast and crew a series of short plays has distinct advantages for the audiences She reasons Whatever your taste youll find something you like at TangentOn Thursday 8 pm onwards At The The Cuckoo Club Pali Hill Road Bandra West Log on to bookmyshowcomCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news current affairs from Mumbai local news crime news and breaking headlines hereDownload the new midday Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go