This weekend, theatre enthusiasts in Mumbai are in for a unique experience as two renowned Indian playwrights, Shanta Gokhale and Mahesh Elkunchwar, present their distinct plays. The contrasting styles of these close friends promise to captivate audiences, offering a deep dive into both inner and outer realities.
Exploring Inner Struggles: Mahesh Elkunchwar’s ‘Autobiography’
Mahesh Elkunchwar’s plays are known for their profound exploration of psychological and emotional conflicts within individuals. His works delve into existential dilemmas, presenting audiences with a deeply introspective experience. One of his most acclaimed plays, ‘Autobiography,’ is set to take the stage after 28 years, offering a layered narrative that explores themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time.
Theatre director and actress Lillette Dubey, who is reviving ‘Autobiography,’ describes Elkunchwar’s writing as a scalpel that cuts deep into the soul. She shares her personal experience of staging the play in 1996 and the lasting impact it had on her. Despite the passage of time, Elkunchwar’s work continues to resonate with audiences, highlighting the timeless nature of human emotions and experiences.
Elkunchwar himself reflects on the enduring relevance of his play, pointing out that while external circumstances may change, the core of human nature remains constant. At 85, he remains committed to exploring the inner landscape of human existence, emphasizing the enduring mystery of life that lies within each individual.
The adaptation of ‘Autobiography’ into multiple languages and its widespread recognition among drama schools and universities worldwide speak to the universal themes that Elkunchwar’s work addresses. The casting process for the play posed a challenge, but with the discovery of Denzil Smith for the lead role, the production is set to offer audiences a compelling exploration of the human psyche.
Examining Social Realities: Shanta Gokhale’s ‘Something Like Truth’
In contrast to Elkunchwar’s introspective narratives, Shanta Gokhale’s works focus on social issues, gender dynamics, and the complexities of human emotion. Her play, ‘Something Like Truth,’ presents four monologues that delve into the themes of truth and justice from the perspective of women across the world.
Gokhale draws inspiration from real-life events, including the cases of Émile Zola and Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, to craft her compelling monologues. The play reflects her sharp observation of societal prejudices and injustices, drawing parallels to contemporary events like the Gujarat riots.
Director Parna Pethe, who was drawn to Gokhale’s monologues for their thought-provoking content, emphasizes the impact of the playwright’s writing in challenging societal norms and prompting introspection. While navigating the text-heavy nature of the play, Pethe finds Gokhale’s openness to ideas and exploration to be a boon in bringing the narrative to life on stage.
Gokhale and Pethe both highlight the compassionate tone of the play, which aims to spark meaningful conversations rather than court controversy. The underlying message of ‘Something Like Truth’ resonates with Elkunchwar’s philosophy of theatre as a medium that should provoke discomfort and challenge audiences to confront difficult truths.
Whether drawn to Elkunchwar’s psychological depth or Gokhale’s social critique, audiences attending both productions this weekend are in for a thought-provoking journey that underscores the transformative power of theatre. As these two compelling narratives unfold on stage, they invite viewers to reflect, question, and engage with the complexities of the world around them.
(Elkunchwar’s ‘Autobiography’ will be staged at the Royal Opera House, Girgaon, on February 2, at 7:30 pm, and Gokhale’s ‘Something Like Truth’ will be staged at the same time at Veda Kunba Theatre, Andheri, today.)
