7 monologues by 7 eminent writers, directors & actors of Gujarati Stage.
Monologue 1: PRATI PURUSH.
Writer: Shishir Ramavat. Director : Siddharth Randeria. Actor: Pratik Gandhi.
Subject: Human Clone.
Duration: 15mins.
It is a fascinating tale about Rudra- the first and only human clone of the world. It talks about his identity crisis and the unimaginable trauma that he goes through. In this futuristic story, Rudra – who was created in a laboratory - not only possesses identical look, habits and the genetic structure of his creator or 'father' Dr. Akhilesh Mehta; he also possesses identical temperament, passion and inclinations as well. Even though Madhavi, Dr. Akhilesh Mehta's wife, had not carried him for nine months in her womb, she has brought him up as her real son. Hell breaks loose when a moment of ugly truth surfaces. Rudra's perspective to view his mother drastically changes and what follows next is a terrible shocker to all.
Kaspar - Every man for himself and God against them all. The legendary story of Kaspar Hauser, who grew up knowing nothing and was the subject of curiosity while exhibited in a circus before being rescued. Kaspar soon learns to read and write and develops unorthodox approaches to religion and logic, but music is what pleases himthe most. His birth was unknown, his death mysterious.
Monologue 3: RAM RAKHE TEM.
Writer: Sanjay V. Shah. Director: Kamlesh Mota. Actor: Krutika Desai.
Subject: Frustrated middle class housewife.
Duration: 15mins.
Money is not life but certainly, life revolves around money. Our energetic and lively protagonist Lavanya learned this lesson the hard way. The troubles and tests of money, marriage and mind drag Lavanya into the world of wishes and acts that transforms her into a different woman. Ram Rakhe Tem is an intrigue tale of Lavanya- of people who have lost their soul, identity for the sake of a materialistic life.
Urmila is the story of Laxman's wife - an unsung character from the Ramayana. It speaks volumes about the agony of the indirect exile imposed on her while Ram Sita and Laxman left the palace for 14 years.
A very short biography of a very ordinary man. Some people's lives can be described in 15 mins or even lesser. This is one such life. A 15-minute journey, which actually deals with a life span of 40 years and by the end of the 15th minute the biography, makes you realize how extraordinary the so-called ordinary person really is.
Monologue 7: LAPSI.
Writer: Naushil Mehta. Director: Rajesh Joshi. Actor: Leena Shah.
Subject: Surrogate Mother.
Duration: 15mins.
What does it mean to be a mother? Does it mean contributing the X chromosome to a possible XY or XX combination? Does it mean the ability to carry a growing weight around your waist for nine months? Does it mean nurturing? These are some of the questions examined in this tale of a surrogate mother.
