Karnataka - Mysore   

Detective play to enthral theatre buffs

MYSORE: Unlike western theatre, it is difficult to find plays based on detective themes in modern Indian theatre. The unprecedented success of “Mouse Trap”, a mystery play by Agatha Christie, shows how theatre buffs dote plays with detective themes. The play is known for having the longest initial run of any play in the world with 22,800 performances in the course of its nearly 55-year-run in the West End of London. The play is known for its twisted ending, which at the end of every performance the audience is asked not to reveal to other theatre goers.

Political issues dominate the modern Indian theatre, especially the Kannada theatre movement, while social issues come next. It is difficult to find plays based on detective themes in recent times, as the present generation directors have developed an aversion for such themes. Nevertheless, Rangayana-Theatre Repertory produced “Prathishodha” based on a detective theme and staged it across the State.

To “demythify” the fact that people won’t relish plays based on detective themes, “Rangayana” is all set to experiment. It has produced “Chekmate” which is based on the premise that ‘Behind every great fortune there lies a crime’ and will be staged at “Bhoomi Geetha” podium of Rangayana on every Sunday from September 23, according to director of Rangayana Chidambara Rao Jambe.

“Checkmate” is based on an original Marathi play by Yogesh Soman, which was translated into Hindi by Prashanth Khirwadkar with the same title. Dr. Thippeswamy has translated the play from Hindi to Kannada.

The play revolves around a couple Nachiket and Nandini, who try to acquire wealth. Frustrated with their mundane life, they opt for a life full of thrill and excitement. The couple tell lies, loot and even commit murders to obtain wealth. The police lay a trap for them and bring them to book. The play shows how people violate laws without any guilt and still live on without any shame. A series of “nail baiting scenes” eventually leads to establish that criminals would not go unpunished.

Hulugappa Kattimani and Geetha Montadka play the roles of Nachiketa and Nandini.

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