During the times when you are flipping reels and binge-watching episodes of Netflix, with pauses and fast forwards, art has its own space where cell phones are turned down and silenced. There is a complete focus on the story, the feelings. This zone not only shakes up your clogged thoughts but also revisits the past in a way that you would never have thought of. The past that continues to torment you and the past that you remember on bad days to make it bearable. The good, the bad, and the unknown feelings, are all present in the moment with the recently launched one act play ” Traasdi” by Manav Kaul. The word Traasdi means tragedy or a painful event, but the play resonates with emotional learnings that can take you back into various situations in your own life.
“Traasdi,” Manav Kaul’s one-act Magic
It transports viewers into a complex emotional world, much like solving a live jigsaw puzzle that stays with them long after the lights go off. This moving narrative, which unfolds in a condensed amount of time, captures extremely personal human experiences. Also, it provides you with the opportunity to experience a live jigsaw puzzle that you continue to play in your head on days that you never anticipated or calculated could happen to you. Your eyes will well up with tears, and your heart will be filled with joy as you watch this stunning compilation of experiences that a mother and her son have lived together. Instead of just telling a story, “Traasdi” pulls you into the characters’ worlds. In their shared experiences of love, hardship, and perseverance, the mother and son mirror the many facets of life that everyone of us faces. The writing of Kaul serves as a mirror, reflecting the audience’s own hidden desires, anxieties, and hopes, creating a therapeutic experience through the play.
The performances that Manav has given in films and theatre have shown us that he is a very skilled actor. Nevertheless, this particular performance is remarkable and captivating overall. During the one hour that the act is taking place, you are unable to take your gaze off of him, not even for a single second. In the course of the performance, there are times when you feel like you are on the verge of crying, but you end up smiling instead.
The acting that breathes life into Kaul’s screenplay is undeniable.The performers bring the script to life by sensitively and profoundly inhabiting their roles.They capture the complexities of the characters’ inner lives and changing dynamics with nuanced depictions.The performances, particularly those of the mother and son, have an electric chemistry that pulls the viewer into the story and gives depth to the charachters’ experiences, both happy and sad.
The storytelling of Kaul is a solace and a challenge at the same time, inviting viewers to recognise the beauty and sorrow in their own narratives. A significant occurrence in his life is intricately intertwined with the relationship that he had with his mother. The performance revolves around a roller coaster of emotions that he went through, something that the majority of us can relate to.
One further thing that makes “Traasdi” stand out is the way it is staged. The spare set design draws the viewer in closer to the characters’ genuine feelings and interactions. This method not only makes the story more gripping,but it also highlights how applicable the ideas are to people all across the world.
Aranya is a theatre company comprised of friends that was established in 2004 to tell stories about people, feelings, and anything else that served as a stimulus to the mind. Manav Kaul, an accomplished theatre writer, director, and well-known movie personality, is the group’s leader. This time, the group has not just created a classic presentation but a soul stirring memory for the audience. Started with the announcement of two shows in a quaint studio at Versova, and on public demand, another 7 shows were added. This show has a long way to go.
