Another dimension to history and theatre will be revealed by Abhishek Majumdar and Ashwini Chakre in their latest production, “Waterlines”. Based on Sadat Hasan Manto's “Tetwal ka Kutta”, “Waterlines” looks back at the Partition of India.
Devised by the children of Head Start Children's Repertory, directed by Abhishek and Ashwini, the play is a conversation between a generation that had witnessed Partition and the generation that is distant from it. It explores myriad stories, both real and fictional: performances of vignettes of ‘Tetwal…', other stories of people who were affected by the Partition of India, and a monologue of Noor Jehan, the actress. A fictional conversation between a journalist and Manto's sister Nasira Manto connects all the narratives.
The play is made more authentic by Abhishek's interviews with those who were affected by the Partition, which have been incorporated in the play. “There is an interview of a 70-year-old man Rishi Raj Vij,” says Abhishek. “Originally from Shekhupura, Pakistan, Vij had come for a holiday to the Himalayas as a child when they had heard about the Partition. He told me, ‘I came for a holiday and it has been 60 years since I returned home.'”
Abhishek contends that children are far more perceptive than adults. “Children are good at playing adults; they enact reality as it is. Adults may be aware that there are multiple truths, but we would like to believe there is only one truth. Children don't think there is one truth, which makes them smarter.”
The children loved Manto's stories. But to sensitise them to the notion of loss, Abhishek asked them, for example, what it would belike for them to live away from their friends. “They said such things as no problem, I'll send them an email,” he says, smiling.
The play will be performed in English. If it had been performed in Hindi, would it have been more powerful? Abhishek thinks so. “We are yet to find the language of the city. Cities, these days, have people coming from other regions. They experience life through their regional language, but communicate in a common language.” Collaborating with Ashwini helped hone Abhishek's creativity.
“We have worked together before,” says Abhishek. “He is perceptive, bright and has enormous strengths in places I don't have.” Every play by Abhishek addresses multiple and varied issues, from “Harlesden High Street” to the “Djinns of Edigah”. “For me every play is like going to a university. If it doesn't open a new window, then it's pointless.”
“Waterlines” will be performed at Alliance Francaise de Bangalore, Vasanthnagar, off Cunningham Road, on March 17 at 7.30 p.m. and March 18 at 3.30 and 7.30 p.m. Tickets cost Rs. 200.
For telebookings contact 9538041764. For online bookings visit www.bookmyshow. com.
