A satirical play, Chuppa! Kachheri Aay Ye, was staged on Sunday at Shaheed Bhavan Auditorium. Directed by Manoj Mishra, the play was performed by artistes of Mandal Theatre Group, Rewa. Adapted from a Marathi play Shantata! Adaalat Chalu Ahe by Vijay Tendulkar, the play was staged in Bagheli language of Madhya Pradesh.
The story begins in a jolly tone with a group of people, who are planning to stage a play in a village. Since one of the cast members doesn't show up, a local is asked to replace him. To make him understand the courtroom procedures, a rehearsal is arranged with a mock trial. But the story takes a twist and seriousness when the pretend-play suddenly turns into a grim charge. Miss Benare is charged with foeticide, as well as accused of having an illicit relationship with a married Professor Damle, the missing member of the cast.
Unfulfilled desires, gender discrimination, certain redundant social customs and the sources and manifestations of power are some of the ideas this heavy drama tries to touch upon. A theatrical improvisation, which was initially intended to make new actor Samant understand how court proceedings take place, gradually takes shape of leela’s own life story, who at the tender age of 14 was sexually abused by her own maternal uncle. The innocence of Benare was physically exploited first by her uncle and then by a married colleague of hers, whom she dared to truly love. The play has a great mix of comedy, drama and emotions put altogether to make a delicious delicacy served to the audience. The artistes won hearts by putting naiveté into their respective characters making it natural. The direction was commendable and lighting effect in each scene complemented the moods presented on stage.