Gulzar’s captivating adaptation of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors took centrestage this month with director Salim Arif's masterful vision bringing this timeless comedy to life, says Sakshi Priya

Delhi was recently treated to an evening of theatrical enchantment at the prestigious Shri Ram Centre Auditorium. Amidst the city’s vibrant energy, laughter and thunderous applause emerged as the renowned Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts (SRCPA) Repertory unveiled Gulzar’s spellbinding adaptation of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, titled 2 BY 2. The auditorium was transformed into a realm of lighthearted gaiety, captivating the audience with the timeless magic of a live performance.

Every artist was wholeheartedly appreciated, showcasing the audience’s love for exceptional work. In a world where appreciation is often fleeting, this play, masterfully directed by the renowned Mohammed Salim Arif, stood as a testament to the enduring power of art. An acclaimed visionary in the realms of film, television and theatre, Salim’s directorial prowess in 2 BY 2 can only be described as a masterpiece of the highest calibre.

The play is a comedic masterpiece that tickles the funny bone with its hilarious depiction of mistaken identities and coincidental mix-ups involving identical twins with identical names. Designed and directed by Salim Arif and performed by ace artists, the play is a delightful experience. The audience was particularly impressed with the fact the actors performed and delivered on a script like Gulzar’s script and Arif’s direction. Resemblance with the adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic drama in the film Angoor was quite obvious but the theatrical adaptation was indeed a beautiful execution of the masterpiece.

2 BY 2, like Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, centres on two pairs of identical twins with identical names. Raj Tilak, a wealthy merchant, has identical twins named Ashok. During a journey, Raj Tilak discovers another pair of identical twins and adopts them, calling them Bahadur. An unfortunate accident separates the family, with each parent ending up with one child from each pair. One set of twins grows up married while the other remains single and mischievous. The comedy unfolds when the unmarried Ashok and Bahadur duo arrive in the city where the married Ashok and Bahadur reside. The ensuing confusion, involving their families, a jeweller, a taxi driver, and an inspector, leads to a series of hilarious misunderstandings that has the audience in stitches.

The play masterfully blends humour, acting, and a classic script to create an entertaining experience. Gulzar’s script, known for its poetic and situational brilliance, adds depth and flavour to the play, enthralling the audience all along.

Director Salim Arif commented, "Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors is a classic that centres on the notion of ‘mistaken identity’. In Gulzar Saab’s adaptation 2 BY 2, the arrival of the unmarried Ashok and Bahadur in the city where the married Ashok and Bahadur reside creates a confusion that involves more than their families, to extend to a jeweler, a police inspector, and the town."

The performances by the cast was exceptional, their expressions, delivery and timing impeccable. The sets, lighting, costumes and props were meticulously crafted, adding to the play’s charm. The success of 2 BY 2 is an indication to the enduring appeal of high-quality, engaging theatre. The combination of Salim Arif’s direction and Gulzar Saab’s writing created an unforgettable experience, proving that great work continues to receive the appreciation it deserves.

2 BY 2 is more than just a simple tale of confusion. The script, penned by the legendary Gulzar, is a masterpiece of situational comedy. Each dialogue adds a layer of humour to the chaos, keeping the audience perpetually on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what comes next. Director Salim Arif masterfully brings the script to life, ensuring the comedic timing is tight.

The talented cast deserves credit for its captivating performances. From subtle inflections to dramatic gestures, every aspect of the actors’ performance is a testament to their dedication to the craft. The play does not just rely on the actors. The set’s design, perfect lighting, costumes and props, all contribute in transporting the audience into the world of 2 BY 2.

2 BY 2 is indeed a celebration of theatre at its finest. As the curtains came down on the play, a thunderous applause filled the auditorium, showcasing the profound impact on the audience. The seamless blend of Gulzar’s storytelling, Salim Arif’s direction and the exceptional performances created an unforgettable evening of laughter and delight.

With this play, the SRCPA further underlined its commitment to bringing exceptional theatre to Delhi, reminding us of power of art to unite, entertain and inspire. As one left the theatre, one was reminded of the fact that amidst life’s complexities, the gift of shared joy through a live performance is an eternal treasure.