A quest for true love

Shudrka, a city-based theatre group, presented its third Bengali production ‘Sararattir’ (A Night Awake), written by renowned playwright Badal Sircar and directed by Swapan Mondal at Lamakaan on April 23.

In a stormy night a holidaying couple takes shelter in an abandoned house and meets an old man. An encounter with this man leads them to crossroads of introspection and self-realisation. The wife, in particular, a quintessential modern Indian woman, not only questions the role traditionally assigned to her by the society, but also sets out in quest of the definition of love and fulfilment.

The casting was one major element of this production’s success, as all actors fit their parts. The trio of Swapan, Sohini and Dijoy tackle this play with charm and stamina, and in return give an outstanding performance with substances. The cast’s high proficiency and control testified to a rigorous rehearsal schedule. Each of the characters has a distinct individual identity and is characterised as much as needed.

The representation of the play is contemporary. Pulak has designed the stage by using paintings done by Monali, a visual artist by profession. As we enter the second-half of the play, the lighting by Pulak and Ravi, and music become more and more poetic.

The lights become more semiotic than semantic. The music from instruments like Surbahar and Santoor strike a chord of surrealistic approach. It is subtle but clear and cleanly executed by Swasti, one of the members of the group.

Using dynamic characterisation, painstaking direction, masterful casting, appropriate music and creative stage design, ‘Sararattir’ is an enchanting performance which keeps the audience highly satisfied to the end.