BENGALURU : Slavery, a historically-loaded word has almost always been associated with the form that was abolished in the 19th century. Even though the word and the literal meaning of it has been made illegal on a global level, it continues to exist in various forms in almost every societal set-up. Highlighting the relevance of slavery in Vijay Tendulkar’s Kamala, that holds true to this day, the play showcases its prevalence in today’s societal make-up. The play also seeks to give a different perspective to the definition of slavery, looking at it as a broad term that continues to plague women and the common man on an everyday level.
As the director of the play Devanand Mahakud, puts it, “Slavery is when someone is being made to do something that goes against his or her own personal will. By this definition, many women also continue to be enslaved – where she is bound by the expectations of what she’s ‘supposed’ to do. There are many women who enslave themselves in these situations, of being obliged to perform certain roles. The message we’re trying to put across through the play is that the victim too must see and accept and strive for change.”
Apart from exploring the narratives of different forms of slavery that exist today, the play makes a statement on journalism. At a time when the profession is facing criticism of being ‘sensationalised’, the director points to the investigation that was carried out by a character in the play to bring out the story of a woman who was trafficked from Madhya Pradesh. The story is based on a true story of a journalist from a national daily who exposed the rural flesh market in Rajasthan. “Through this play we look at how journalism is perceived today. We look at it in a good way, at how it can be practised,” the director adds.
Cause-based play
Lebeda Productions claims this is the first crowdfunded theatre production in the city. The idea of garnering funds is also an attempt at engaging more people in the ‘theatre world’ and also help create awareness about the cause of slavery the play seeks to explore. Lebeda Productions, a budding production house in the city started collecting funds for this project in April. Raakhee Bose, co-founder of the production house, .says, “We kept the limit to `1,000 per person so we could reach out to more people. Since this is a cause-based play there were people who also came forward to help spread awareness about slavery.”
Hiten Balsari, an actor in the play has been a theatre enthusiast for over 35 years. Commenting on the growth of the art form in the city and the country at large, he is of the opinion that the initiative has benefitted in spreading awareness about the issue. On the theatre scene in Bengaluru, Hiten says, “It’s not as professional here as it is in Mumbai or Pune. There a sense of commitment that is lacking. Most do it as a hobby. And the various experimental forms that are emerging here are diluting the seriousness of theatre.”Kamala will be staged at Rangasthala, MG Road on July 22 at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available in bookmyshow.com or call on 8884306788