Acting it out

Five Grains of Sugar, a play written by Manav Kaul in Hindi and translated into English by Arshia Sattar is about Raj Kumar, a man from a small town where nothing spectacular happens. The play aims to look at the presence of art in every day life. This is their second venture in Bangalore. They came to the city last year,u00a0 when 12 shows of the same play, were staged across town. Director Nirmala Ravindran says that the play is for everybody and is based on everyday life.

"This play is for everyone. Children right up to adults, everyone can watch it. Raj Kumar's life strikes a chord with everyone. A part of him lives in all of us." "When I saw the play, I found it beautiful and heart warming.

It's not spectacular, but it strikes a chord somewhere. I initially wanted to do the play in Kannada, but then it finally came out in English. Everything just fell in to place," she averred. On asked why she chose the same set of actors and the same play to be performed again she said, "Every play is as successful as the number of shows it performs. A play has to be performed, according to me at least 100 times. It has to grow as we keep re-working on it."

At: Kyra, September 25
Ranga Shankara, September 26, 27
Call: 98456 02265
Log on to: https://www.indianstage.in/

This one is of the kids, by the kids, but not only for the kids. Andher Nagari Chaupat Raja was originally written by Bharatendu Harishchandra way back in 1881. Literally translated, it reads Kingdom of Darkness, Insane King, the play is about an imaginary kingdom where everything is sold at the same price, be it one kg of gold or one kg of cotton. The play involves 23 kids all between the ages of 7 and 14. "Even though the play is in Hindi and the kids have learnt to speak archaic Hindi, it's the body language, the expressions and other mediums that define a play, not only language," states Lubaina Kapasi. "Theatre in education and theatre for self is very important at this day and age. It's all about feeling your role and having fun."

All the kids in the world: The Andher Nagari troupe

Siblings Aarushi and Yashvardhan NC are playing different parts in the play and though they both claim to like the Raja scene best in the play, Yash makes it clear that it's for very different reasons. Aarushi, 7 years of age says, "I like the Raja scene because it's very funny", while Yash, all of 8 years old insists, "I like the scene because it's the main scene of the play and it shows how immature the Raja is." Aarushi says that her favourite part is that of the dancers' and is also very excited about the song will be singing, which goes something like "Aloo Gobi Tinli Tamatar..." Yash on the other hand, says that his favourite character is that of the soldier because as he put it, "I always have to correct the Raja, that's why I like that role."

At: ADA Rangamandira, JC Road
On: September 24
Ticket: Rs 100
Call: 9243009518

OTHER PLAYS IN THE CITY

Gundayana (Kannada)
At Ranga Shankara
On September 22
Call 96206 04479

Katha Collage by Naseeruddhin Shah that includes:
Bade Bhai Saheb
Shatranj Ke Khiladi
Sankraman
At Chowdaiah Memorial Hall, Vyalikaval
On October 2
Log on to https://www.indianstage.in/

Ismat Apa Ke Naam that includes:
Amar Bel
Nanni Ki Naani
Do Haath
At Chowdaiah Memorial Hall, Vyalikaval
On October 3

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