Rage Productions (Mumbai)
August 6, 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Kerala Fine Arts Hall
Rage's 'One on One' is an ambitious venture, showcasing eight monologues/duologues, shaped by six experienced writers and directors of Mumbai. This ensures variety in themes, emotional colours, as well as treatment.
Rage's commitment to and joy in generating new writing is obvious when Rahul da Cunha, its co-founder with Shernaz Patel and Rajit Kapur, describes ‘One on One' as “a theatrical evening with different Indian playwriting voices under one roof… a sort of Woodstock of creative outpourings by some of our best writers, on issues affecting/amusing/aggravating/angering them.”
Rajit Kapur explains that new writing about present-day India in Hindi and English was commissioned and sent to different directors. “As and when they responded strongly to specific pieces, we asked them to come on board. An initial reading with everyone in attendance began the process of stringing the texts.”
That was when, “at a content level, we got to hear the thoughts of all the prospective directors,” director Akarsh Khurana recalls animatedly. “Though everyone's path crossed during rehearsals, each had ample freedom and space. Finally, we were encouraged to view each other's work. Valuable feedback emerged here, in terms of integrating each part to the whole.” Interactions increased with Rajit Kapur and Akarsh Khurana turning actors as well, and Nadir Khan managing sound for the whole production.
From an outright spoof on the bureaucrat babu to the macabre joke of terrorist Ajmal Kasab's trial, the issues raised are far ranging and provocative. The humour can be tongue-in-cheek or rib-tickling. Listen to the irate passenger complaining to the authorities about inedible airline food. The sombre note? Watch characters struggling to find their way through the modern macropolis maze. Yes, ‘One on One' delights and disturbs.
For tickets
Priced at Rs. 300, Rs. 200 and Rs. 100, students can get it for Rs. 50. Season passes are priced at Rs. 750 and Rs. 450. Buy it online at >The Hindu website and >www.indianstage.in . In the city, you can buy it from Coffee Beanz outlets at Panampilly Nagar and Marine Drive. In The Hindu office at Vytilla, tickets will be available between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. only.
Sponsors
The Title Sponsor of the event is Bose. Associate Sponsors are Hirco, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts Pvt Ltd, and Hair O Max. The Hospitality Sponsor is The GateWay Hotels, Marine Drive, Ernakulam. The Mall Partner is Oberon Mall, Edapally.
