In an age of increasing communalism and casteism, when violence is becoming a norm rather than an aberration, MAHADEVBHAI (1892-1942) is a reminder of a healthy tradition that is slowly being obliterated by the devices of deep hatred and prejudice.
The play is based on the daily diary that Mahadev Desai, secretary and onlooker to Gandhiji, maintained during the period 1917 to 1942, in which he jotted down the innumerable letters to and by Gandhiji, as well as conversations and bantering, lectures and discourses. All of this made Mahadevbhai a key witness to Gandhiji, besides proving Mahadevbhai's own commitment to Satyagraha and the struggle for independence.
The form chosen is of lively storytelling, interspersed with humour, as one actor plays out various historical characters like Gandhiji, Mahadevbhai, Nehru, Patel and Ambedkar, among others. Besides the obvious historical happenings, there is an attempt to contextualise the freedom movement and the birth of the democratic nation, with events in contemporary India. As part of producer-performer Jaimini Pathak's aim to reach out to an audience of young people, he is taking the play to school and college students. In a lighter vein, he says, “I want them to know, before it is too late, that History didn't begin with satellite television coming to India!” Writer and director Ramu Ramanathan has attempted “to take strength from the processes of the past.” He states, “I am wearing my heart on my sleeve... the fact that we have amnesia about this past is frightening.” MAHADEVBHAI (1892-1942) attempts to remind us of the times that were and create a show that is as captivating as the men and women themselves.
Press Reviews
“…WELL RESEARCHED…BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN…ONE OF THE BEST PLAYS OF THE PRITHVI FESTIVAL” – The Times of India, Mumbai
“…A GEM OF A PLAY…ESPECIALLY RELEVANT IN A POLARISED TODAY” – Indian Express, Mumbai
“…A MUST-SEE FOR ALL CRITICS OF GANDHIAN IDEOLOGY” – Asian Age, Mumbai
“YOU ARE DOING WHAT EVERY SERIOUS PLAYWRIGHT-PERFORMER WANTS YOU TO DO. YOU ARE THINKING AFRESH” – Mid Day, Mumbai
“…ONE OF THE FINEST PLAYS PRESENTED IN CHENNAI…CAPTIVATING AND VERY MOVING AS WELL…A TRULY MARVELLOUS EXPERIENCE” – The Hindu, Chennai
“…THE OLDER GENERATION HAD TEARS FLOWING DOWN, WHILE THE YOUNGER GENERATION STOOD IN SILENCE, NOT WISHING TO BREAK THE IMPACT…AN INTENSE PIECE OF NOT JUST THEATRE, BUT OF COMMUNICATING IDEAS” – Sunday Magazine, The Hindu, Chennai
“…AN AVERAGE GROUP OF COLLEGE STUDENTS WOULD STILL BE STIRRED BY THOSE MEN AND THE AMBIENCE, BRAVE AND NOBLE, THEY WORE LIKE A GARMENT…A MOVING, DEEPLY EVOCATIVE EXPERIENCE” -- City Express, Chennai
“…PLAYFUL, WITTY AND ANECDOTAL, WHICH IS WHY IT SHAKES YOU WHEN IT BECOMES SERIOUS… THIS IS WHAT IS MEANT BY A TRULY SERIOUS PLAY” – Saptahik Sakaal, Mumbai
“…PLAYS LIKE ‘MAHADEVBHAI’ ARE THE DIRE NEED OF THE HOUR…OUR HEARTFELT BEST WISHES” – Mahanagar, Mumbai
Groups |
Hindi | Marathi | Gujarati | English | Reviews | Features | News | Gupshup | Artistes | Auditoriums | Theatre Speaks | Workshops 
