Reality check on stage

In a captivating blend of love, devotion, and harsh realities, the theatrical production The Actor’s Truth Kaali Shalwar, directed by Arjun Singh will be staged at Veda Kunba this weekend. Inspired by Sadat Hasan Manto's short story of the same name, the play unfolds the tumultuous journey of Sultana, a young prostitute navigating survival in the bustling city of Delhi alongside her pimp, Khudabaksh.

This 70 minute long performance by an ensemble of 16, is a tale of Sultana’s journey into finding, embracing and soon losing love with a painful realisation that she is a prostitute who cannot dream of being loved by a man. ADVERTISEMENT The play ventures into the uncharted territory of associating feelings of devotion with prostitutes, questioning whether it is possible for them to surrender their souls to someone and, if so, at what cost.

“The intention lies in expressing complex human emotions, unsaid pain and the price you pay to love somebody who doesn’t love you back,” explains Singh. The director shares that the team wanted to present a sensitively written story about the reality of prostitutes wrapped with the themes of devotion and surrender, “Two extremely contrasting worlds merging into a singular entity called love.” For this fifth staging of the play, most of the seasoned ensemble of 16 members including actors, musicians and technicians, have been part of the production since its inception, Singh reveals.

“It surely is going to move the audiences, taking them deeper into the voids of prostitutes and their world,” concludes Singh. The second play Tax Free aims at challenging perceptions, igniting conversations and promising to dismantle preconceived notions about blindness. Directed by Akshay Alok, audiences can expect a riveting 50 minute experience, providing a rollercoaster of emotions through the protagonist's lens.

“The show is about breaking the stereotype of how one sees a blind,” informs Alok, adding that the play “portrays the challenges a blind person faces, but from an entirely unexpected perspective. The intention is to explore the characteristics of a blind person which are unheard or unseen by the general public.” This theatrical production has been inspired by the personal interactions of the director while he was in Bangalore.

“⁠Back in Bangalore I worked with a few differently abled people and wished to showcase their lives through storytelling,” informs Alok. While this may not be the nine member team's first rodeo, the cast comprises seasoned stage and screen actors, each bringing a wealth of experience to the table.

Having performed the play twice before, they are well versed in the nuances of their roles, promising a polished and engaging performance. “The audience can expect complete entertainment, offering a captivating and empathetic journey into the unseen world of the blind,” summarises Alok..