Theatre group Dvandva makes its debut with Aditya Sudarshan's MISTER HAPPY MAKER. Directed by Kaushal Anand, it's not long before we are introduced to Mister Happy Maker, the play's title-character, played by Asseim Hattangady, who stares himself down from a large self-portrait, much like the way Dhirubai Ambani's portraits adorn its schools, hospitals and offices. But just as soon, Mister Happy Maker and his contrarian son (Director Kaushal Anand plays Alok) end up with scattered and tedious monologues and it appears as if the two characters are mouthpieces for the playwright's rant.
On the face of it there is the obvious critique of a society that consumes (a cliche in itself now). Dad and son represent two ways of living- both, extreme. Mister Happy Maker wants to show people (read sell) the way to happiness, much like he previously sold products as an ad-maker (although he thinks he is on a different and more elevated path now), while his son is an idealist trying to find his feet. Mother (Shalini Gupta) supports father whole-heartedly and tries with her husband to make their son appreciate the work they are doing. Two young and 'good-looking' executives (Kartikey Ambardar & Divya Unny) who support Mister Happy Maker and his work are cast in contrast to the rebellious son; they are the young and the beautiful, driven by their ambition to succeed. Characters such as the maid (Vrindaa Ashwani) and others become the via-medium for Mister Happy Maker's grand 'project' and in turn, return to give the play its more interesting moments.
In a typical scenario where consumption and the ad-world are sub-textually projected as the big evil, and where progress is determined by language (read English), acquisitions and appearance, the play sometimes tends to rise above its pop philosophy. The 'intended' sarcasm is too predictable and just when you think there is a possibility of some real drama happening, the play ends. Too much time is spent by the text catching its own tail.
The set-design that wishes to mimic an affluent set-up appears a little tacky and the Audio-Visual is not successful either. There was a lot of feedback from the sound that was jarring; something that can be easily sorted out, but the greater issue is that the device doesn't enhance the production in any way. On the whole, not exactly disappointing but hardly engaging. The few promising elements however make us hope that there might be a better play from Mr Sudarshan the next time.
