While it has never been easy to create a play, it is difficult to find a new group that instead of being satisfied with their work just being staged in some place, aims to go as far as big groups. Shabd Theatre Group's first production aims very high - novel choice of subject, most prime venue, aggressive personal reach out to literature lovers, elaborate sets and more.
SIFAR is the story of life in Syria. The main focus of the story is how a refugee, Amra, played by Namrata Ghaturle, survives working in a cafe that's visited by terrorists and soldiers who are ready to shoot a refugee on site. The owner of the cafe, his son, fellow visitors, are all living dangerously. Characters are meaningfully created, with each of them depicting a key idea. For example, a mason, is unable to come to terms with the fact that whatever he created has been reduced to dust and all places look the same after the bombings. A teacher, is caught between trying to save his country through education and saving himself from radical groups.
The sets are able to give a good backdrop to the story and make the audience focus on the content. The music, that plays a little too often, gives away the fact that it is a play by youngsters who like their creation lively.
Sachin Malvi is able to stand out as a writer because while terrorism, riots, inter-community tensions are dealt frequently in theatre and movies, Syria is hardly touched as the dominant theme. The writing steers clear of joining any of the propaganda bandwagons.
There are many improvements the play can make in the coming editions. Such as making it a bit shorter, blending music into the dialogues better, and making a portable version that can be invited for performance in smaller venues.
Fair to say, Shabd Theatre's SIFAR is a worthy experiment. It can be interesting to see how it shapes up in its attempt to be noticed as much as plays by stars and pedigreed groups.
(Tarun Agarwal is the founder of an entertainment startup, Big Bad Idea)
