A Gujarati play bucks the trend of formulaic routine to deal with the controversial subject of euthanasia
A Gujarati play bucks the trend of formulaic routine to deal with the controversial subject of euthanasia
While most may not think of Gujarati theatre as anything other than frothy, commercial fare, along comes a play that seeks to recast Gujarati stage in a new light. Adapted from well-known Hindi playwright Dr Shanker Shesh's Fandi, the Gujarati version, Korat deals with the controversial subject of euthanasia.
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The play is being staged publicly for the first time at NCPA today and stars two actors, both of whom perform a variety of roles. "Over the years, there have been many adaptations of the play. But I think this is one of the truest, in terms of how Shesh conceptualised it," says Kamlesh Mota, the producer.
Prior to this, Mota directed a Hindi version. The play ran for a full one year, with over 40 shows. "Euthanasia is a complex subject, but this play does not seek to provide any answers. It simply tells you of the questions surrounding the issue."
The play is named Korat because of a character's inability to correctly pronounce the word 'court'. And this inability matches his scepticism for what goes on inside it. For inside, he is being accused of killing his father, when according to him, he simply helped ease his father's pain. A cancer patient, the father was keen to be freed from pain. By 'helping' his father die, the impoversihed son is not only labelled anti-socialist but also a murderer.
Mota says, "In India, where abuse of the law is rampant, the misuse of euthanasia is very likely. But can this helplessness and corruption of our existence deny us a life devoid of pain? Everything said, euthanasia can't be compared with murder."
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AT: 7 pm, Godrej Dance Academy Theatre, NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point.
Call: 66223737
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