Ram Ganesh Kamatham wrote Dancing Glass in 2004 when Bengaluru was transitioning into an IT hub. The cultural and linguistic landscape transformed as call centres and software hubs were emerging. It is the essence of this change that has been depicted in the play. It has been 10 years since Dancing Glass was performed, and the play, in some ways, continues to be relevant.
Dancing on Glass, directed by Lakshyraj Rathod, an alumnus of National School of Drama (NSD), is presented by Dramaste group. When it was staged in early 2000, the play received acclaim for its acerbic dialogues and dark humour. Lakshyraj brings it back to Bengalureans.
The plot revolves around Megha, who works in a call centre, and Shankar, a software engineer. The duo cross paths often and gradually develop feelings for each other.
For Lakshyraj, the play is deeply personal. “Mallika Prasad, a teacher and director, had shared the play with me. It was relevant to what I have gone through,” he says. Before joining NSD, Lakshyraj worked in a call centre in Bengaluru. “I have not completely stuck to the script,” he says, “I wanted to change a couple of things. I have experimented with movement, design, and even performance. The actors have been trained in Kalaripayattu , mime, movement dance and folk singing. The play also has certain elements of physical movements,” says Lakshyraj, who has been a part of over 35 major productions as an actor and technical assistant. He adds that the play is a straightforward narrative. “Though it is interspersed with scenes of Megha having dreams, the play essentially explores the connection between a man and woman in their personal spaces.”
“I auditioned about 30 people before I chose the cast. The entire production process has been workshop, text and acting-oriented.” He adds that he was in touch with the playwright during the making of the play. “We had a few conversations over phone and email.” The director and actors, Aniruddh Roy, Amoolya Narayan, and Prateek Sultania, formed Dramaste group last month. “We have also got help from youngsters in Bengaluru for creating the poster, sets and music design.”
At NSD, Lakshyraj specialised in theatre acting and has worked with national and international directors.
“I am from Rajasthan, but studied in Bengaluru since my school days. I have also done travel theatre, including in some villages across Karnataka. I also went to the Panchayat in Karnataka and raised awareness on open defecation. Apart from that, I have worked in Kolkata, Goa, Puducherry, Kerala, Mumbai, and Delhi.”
Dancing on Glass will be staged on May 4 at Atta Galatta, Koramangala, at 5 pm, and on May 5 at Vyoma Artspace Studio, JP Nagar at 4pm and 6.30 pm. Tickets available on bookmyshow.com. For details call: 9886816339.
