Humour springs a refreshing fragrance, an ‘X-factor’ that attracts people. In its 17th edition of the annual humorous playlet competitions, Sumadhura Kalaniketan of Vijayawada featured eight playlets to regale packed houses for three days over the last weekend.
The scripts of the playlets recharged on deflective energies of the stereotypes of our homes and offices. These playlets are often pepped up by intelligent puns and punch lines of the feminists on stage. Do Boochi , written by S. Parthasarathi has a vibrant thread of action to engage the viewers. Comedy here hinges upon the travails of a son–in-law whose purse is hit by a father-in –law who is always in search of a costly hospital, even for a minor ailment. Equally daunting is the case of a mother-in-law who wants to visit every shrine in the country. Bound by the commitment to look after the oldies, the son-in-law hatches a plan, involving a neighbour, to keep the in-laws at bay. However the plan goes awry. The playlet, directed by T. Sundaram and presented by Sri Murali Kala Nilayam won the first prize.
Illalikina Ega presented by Rasajhari, Ponnuru, is on the search for a bridegroom. A balanced rhythm in group action and sophisticated wit permeates the layers of playlet. Written by K.V. Bala Rama Murthy and directed by Krishneswara Rao it won the second prize. The third prize was bagged by Ikkada Dongalanta Kshemam written and directed by Kasi Viswanath. It was presented by K.V. Creations, Visakhapatnam. It chronicles the way a petty thief gets elected as a corporator in a caste-ridden locality, much to the chagrin of a seasoned politician and a jailor-turned-politician. Dialogues spun around the current political scenario delighted of the viewers.
Clients of a popular cook refuse to stand surety for a loan to purchase house. She learns the lesson the hard way. The playlet Nalla Kodi Tella Guddu , written by A. Bharat Kumar and directed by S.K.Shaffe was presented by the A.D. Association Chilakaluripeta. Kala Varshini Hyderabad’s playlet Anapalingam scam is about an oath to speak truth for a day and the dilemma of an ordinary soul to keep it up. Written by K. Hanumantha Rao, it was engagingly directed by J. Haribabu.
Na Cinema Na Ishtam , produced by Srikrishna Telugu Theatre arts, Visakhapatnam, parodies the budding film makers of flops and their craving for promotional bites on Television channels. The playlet was written and directed by Apparao. Tom and Jerry weaves around the danger of spendthrifts turning criminals. It was scripted by V. Vara Prasad and directed by Gangadhar. Manchi Neellu written by Siva Mohan and directed by Jaya Prakash Reddy is on the reunion of a male chauvinist and emerging feminist with just two actors on the stage. The playlet produced by J.P. Arts, Hyderabad was well articulated.
As a bonus for the discerning viewers two exhibition plays were staged. Tommy Tommy , on the missing pet of a police officer, was presented by Praja Natya Mandali. Katha kanchiki written by Ravi Kondala Rao was on the contractor-driven theatre of yester-years.
Still, for the unsatiated, skilfully crafted skits were presented by the Visakha Humour club in between the shows.
