: Sunday, 06 October 2024 09:35 AM
Location: Shilpgram, Udaipur/ Director: Ruchi Bhargava/Author: Mahesh Dattani/ Presentation: Qalandar Society
“Thirty Days in September” written by Mahesh Dattani was staged at Darpan Auditorium, Shilpgram, which managed to leave a deep impression in the hearts of the audience. As sensitive as the theme of the play is, its performance was equally lively and impressive. The story of betrayal within the family, child sexual abuse, and emotional pain took the audience into a whirlwind of emotions.
At the center of the play was the character of Mala (Chirmi Acharya), who brilliantly portrayed the tragedy of living with the wounds of her childhood. Seeing his pain and mental struggle come alive on stage was as heart-touching as it was shaking the audience to the core. Chirmi showed a great combination of emotional depth and drama in her acting. Mala’s silence and introspection portray a society that wears the mask of modernity, but is filled with emotional indifference from within.
The character of Shanta (Niki Chaturvedi), Mala’s mother, also plays an important role in the story. Their intercession and prayers gave a new twist to the story, making the audience realize how heartbroken the family is along with the pain of the victim.
Characters like Vinay and Deepak, played by Shashi Kiran and Karthikeya Mishra, not only support Mala but also bring depth and conflict to the story. Mala’s future with Deepak appears to be a happy one, allowing the play to end on a positive note, but this ending also leaves the audience with questions – can every victim’s life really go on so smoothly?
The magic of direction and presentation Ruchi Bhargava’s direction was evident in every scene of the play. He made the best use of emotions from the artists, due to which the audience did not move from their place even for a moment. The skillful use of lighting and music helped in enhancing the depth of emotions. The way Bhargava brought the complex and sensitive issues of the play on screen was a wonderful experience for theater lovers.
Amazing acting performance by Chirmi Acharya who played the character of Mala, bringing alive the pain and struggle in her every gesture and dialogue. The acting of Shashi Kiran and Karthikeya Mishra also left its mark. The mixture of sensitivity and power was visible in his acting. Other actors like Mohit Krishna and Vaidehi Saxena also nailed their small roles.
impact of story
Mahesh Dattani’s pen has given a powerful and emotional message through “Thirty Days in September”. Bringing a sensitive issue like child sexual abuse before the society through theatre, is not only brave but also necessary. This play is not just entertainment but also points towards those aspects of society which we often ignore.
final thoughts
The drama “Thirty Days in September” not only exposes the audience to a sensitive issue but also forces them to think about how the balance between love and betrayal can be maintained in family and society. The acting of the cast, Bhargava’s direction, and Dattani’s writing – all three together made this play a masterpiece that cannot be forgotten.
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Web Title-Drama Review: An emotional battle of love and betrayal within a family – Thirty Days in September
