Breaking conventional image of an Indian woman
Shriram Centre for Performing Arts (SRCPA) Repertory will be staging 'Meeta Ki Kahani' (Meetachi Gosh) – originally written by the acclaimed Marathi playwright Vijay Tendulkar. Brilliantly directed by Sameep Singh, an NSD alumnus and currently SRCPA Repertory Chief, the 90-minute long play will be staged on May 25 and 26, 2019 at 7:00 pm and 11:30 am respectively.
Breaking the image of a conventional woman of Indian society Tendulkar had written about a young girl 'Meeta' who is battling with herself trying to fit in the society. Confused about her emotions she finally finds the missing piece of her puzzle in another girl Nama, who made her feel things she had never felt in her life. Will she be able to express her Queer feelings to society? Will society be able to accept her with those feelings without questioning her choice? Bapu wheels forward the journey, touching the sensitive events narrating the ups and downs of Meeta's life and the escape she needed from the stereotype.
Vijay, who had written this play much ahead of his time perhaps finds more relevance today in society. Today's younger generation relocate themselves to metros carrying desires in their eyes, be it education or their dream jobs, due to which hostels, sharing rooms and live-in relationships are in fashion. In such a lifestyle where one is struggling with the perplexities of life, feeling of love and to be loved back blossoms homosexual relationships too. Regardless of recognition to Article 377, has the society been able to break the mental block and give acceptance to it, does a woman perpetuate the oppression of patriarchy if she imbibes the nature of a man? For people like Meeta, is ending their life due to inadequacy a solution?
This play 'Meeta ki Kahaani' forces us to think and question such issues.
The entire play has been conceptualised along with the complexities of relationships, based on perceptions as well as an understanding of moral values which are stretched out to women in particular. Bapu as a character can be related to more of traits which are otherwise confined to women by the society whereas Meeta stands alone as a bolder character, much ahead of her time.
Contrary to Vijay Tendulkar's realism, the play has been designated a non-realistic design, imposing the openness that the entire flow of the story should bring. The play from the concept to interpretation delves between complexities and simplicities of life, which when misunderstood can reach to a non-desirous end.
To know more, watch how Meeta questions and explores today's complex world for her identity.
