Two women – Madhu and Jay – start talking when they are trapped in a spaceship bound for Mars. In conversation, they share a surprising number of similarities despite the obvious differences. They talk about their relationships with their respective mothers and partners, as well as their dealings with independence and loss, among other things.
Although mad and jayWhile the outer-space setting is unusual, the themes it attempts to tackle are relevant. According to Vedrun Rajkumar, the play’s author, the futuristic background is intentional. “Despite all the technological leaps we make, our basic human nature and struggles remain the same,” he says.
mad and jay Vedroon’s observations about the women he has met throughout his life. As a man, his lived experiences were very different from hers. “Something that might seem trivial to me will be of great importance to them. So, I’ve always wanted to write about those things,” he says.
Vedrun had been considering the matter since the start of the pandemic. then, six months ago, a play, which eventually became mad and jay, took shape in his head. It was ready within a week. However, Vedroon had one important question he had to answer himself: why should HeOne man, tell this story?
She sought validation from her partner, Preeti Bhardwaj, a movement, voice and theater artist, and Preeti’s longtime friend, Priyanka Chandrasekhar, a classical dancer and choreographer. The two women form the two-member cast of the play, with five other characters. It was only after many discussions and debates with these two women that Vedroon finalized the script.
“With any play, I don’t think you can completely stick to the script. There will be improvisations. Having said that, this too was a complete script. It went through many readings, rereadings, discussions and debates .. Since Vedrun knows me well, it was very much like a first-hand account,” says Preeti.
Priyanka also felt that the script was relatable. “My character does most of the talking and reminds me of my 20s,” she says.
The 75-minute play will be staged on March 25 at 4.15 pm at Shoonya Center for Art and Somatic Practices and on March 26 at 6.30 pm. Tickets priced at Rs 350 are available on Bookmyshow.com.
an all-student drama
Orpheus Productions, a student-led theater group from Christ (Deemed to be University), Bannerghatta Road Campus, will perform the play. characterMarch 30 at 7.30 pm at Jagriti Theatre, Whitefield.
Set in 20th century West Bengal, the play tells the story of Mukundo, who faces backlash from his father, Bijan Kumar, a respected landowner, for ruining his reputation in society. However, there is a secret prophecy that Mukundo’s parents know will eventually lead them to social destruction. The play uses folk music and dance, comic relief to elevate the story.
The original production, which featured students, has won a few awards at other college fests like Mood Indigo 2022 at IIT Bombay. This will be a ticket based performance character For general audience.
Orpheus Productions, established in 2016, tells stories through proscenium, mime and street plays. She has worked on socially relevant topics such as rape, human trafficking and prostitution, LGBTQIA+ community, virginity and terrorism.
Tickets cost ₹300 on Bookmyshow.in