A Nukkad Natak is a street play that portrays social issues in a satirical and humorous manner. Though common up North, it is a form of theatre most South Indians are not familiar with, though thanks to Red Polka Productions, Bangaloreans may soon get an idea.
On April 26, Red Polka Productions will be opening for Tedx ISBR at Jagriti Theatre with a play called Shuffle. It explores the notion of how individuals don multiple roles in life. Much like the ace and the jack, (read leader and follower) our varied roles like these cards are all equally important.
Talking about Shuffle, assistant director Prataya Saha says the roles of a leader and follower are both vital, since life as we know it would come to a grinding halt if only one type of person existed.
Director Anshulika Kapoor who hails from Rajasthan feels street plays often convey important political and relevant truths in an easy to understand manner. In the days of yore, nukkads were usually performed under a banyan tree in the village square. Citizens would sit around after a hard day’s work and learn something even as they were entertained.
Since Bangaloreans are unfamiliar with the concept, Red Polka modified their productions so they could be performed on stage. Over the past year, they have presented plays on issues like abuse and the Indian obsession with fairer skin tones. As word of their work spread, they were approached by the organisers to open for Tedx at their event. While their biggest production last year dealt with how people hide behind social media platforms to criticise others, Shuffle is more of an introspection on individual personalities.
