How are wars made? Is it over emotion or a hunger for power? Vithal Rajan, playwright and scholar, who has a penchant for blending politics with language of theatre has another theory. He accounts for it as the struggle for monopoly over resources. This subject is explored in depth, using satire in his play, The Spartan Conspiracy , staged by Thespians En, under the direction of Ajit Chitturi this weekend.
Since the play is set in ancient Greece, expect Odyssey -like narratives to surface. “The play was written with the American invasion of Iraq in mind. However, it is set in the time of Homer. Nevertheless, it is humorous.” Among the highlights, is a Greek dance with school children at the start of the sequence. The language is contemporary though characters are mythological. “I find Rajan’s plays engaging. I had previously done an all women’s play called Wolfgang in 2015 and 2016 in the city.”
Production-wise, it is easy to execute. “Unlike Rajan’s regular plays, produced on a mega scale, this is a one-act production. He elaborates on how wars are fought not only for land but also control over strategic points. Dialogues are crisp, modern and relatable. So are the settings and costume.”
Clay vessels are included to recreate the time frame. And, the lights department is helmed by by B Charles, a prolific Chennai-based lighting designer. “We had collaborated for a production before. I have been waiting for a chance to work with him,” adds Chitturi. Most of Rajan’s writing has a streak of humour.
“But, it is never slapstick. On principal, we do not do slapstick. His humour is subtle. As far as the acting process is concerned, more than the body movements, we demand the actors to improve as performers through an internal acting process; where you think you are that character and slip into the role.”
(The play will be staged at Alliance Française of Madras, Nungambakkam on March 4 at 7.15 pm.
Tickets are available at the venue or bookmyshow.com.)
