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Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry
| Photo Credit: SPL
Women have truly shattered the glass ceiling in theatre, says eminent theatre person Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry. “Women are creating some phenomenal work. New voices are emerging, and they are making waves with their innovative productions.”
Interestingly, eight of the 15 plays that will be staged in the 15th edition of the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK) 2025 are directed by women – a testament to their rising prominence in the theatre world.
Ms. Chowdary’s work, Hayavadana, a different take on the revered play written by playwright Girish Karnad, is the opening play at ITFoK this time.
Ms. Chowdhry’s Hayavadana dives deep into themes of identity, selfhood, and the pursuit of perfection, all wrapped in her distinctive narrative style.
Tale of two friends
The play, presented by Bhoomija Trust, Bengaluru, tells the story of two friends, Devadatta and Kapila, and their love interest, Padmini. The two accidently swap heads, leading the characters to delve into the complexities of identity and self. Ms. Chowdhry’s vision pushes the boundaries of the original myth, adding a contemporary twist that resonates with today’s world. Even though Hayavadana could be called a modern classic, ithas its share ofmyth in it. “In our play, we have used the myth, but have given it a more contemporary twist,” says Ms. Chowdary.
“The play is very complex. It is based on Thomas Mann’s novel The Transposed Heads. It is about perception of perfection. Perfection is a foolish pursuit to have. True beauty of human nature lies in imperfection. I have seen many versions of Hayavadana. I have tried to break all the stereotypes seen in the earlier versions,” she says.
“I changed the ending of the play as I had reservations about it. In the earlier versions of the play, Padmini commits Sati. However, my women are very spunky. I did not make them very traditional.”
Pivotal role
Music plays a pivotal role in her production, blending the original score by late B.V. Karanth with innovative additions. “We have introduced new instruments like trumpet, saxophone, and Buddhist chanting bowls to enrich the atmosphere,” says Ms. Chowdhry, highlighting the importance of sound in conveying the emotional depth of the play.
Her optimism for the next generation of theatre artistes shines through, especially when it comes to young creators. “The energy, passion, and determination of young artistes are awe-inspiring. They are fearless, and they are making their mark,” she says, praising the vibrant new voices in theatre today.
Mahesh Saini from Haryana, one of the actors of Hayavadana, echoes her sentiments: “There’s little economic reward or fame in this field, but for me, theatre is a form of meditation. It gives me purpose and meaning in life.”
Published – February 22, 2025 09:14 pm IST
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IThe Hindu
