One of the most abiding perplexities of life is family. While men, women, and children aspire to have a family life, it is far from harmonious. A family passing through a rough phase can be an unbearable torture. This play deals with this grim reality and unfolds many aspects of family life.
Mohan Rakesh has written a play that brings out all the troubles that a family faces. The head of the family, the husband and the father, is passing through a long phase of low income. A youngster is not able to complete education and find a job. A daughter is in an unhappy marriage. A kid throws tantrums that are difficult for the family to deal with. The unending misery of the wife and the mother is ever willing to beg for the family's benefits. AADHE ADHURE play brings out these universal situations to life and makes an emotional impact.
This piece of work differs from other noteworthy creations on family drama in the plot points. Some parts may appear outdated, such as children being scolded for reading pornography. In the age of the internet, this does not seem to be a very big offence nor does it cause a family uproar. In the play, the woman of the house is looking to run away with the first available man. This also is an interesting plot point as she finds out that the men who court her do not want to share their lives with her or take her home. Recently, in a popular movie, a man seeks to leave the house and gets rejected by the woman who he seeks. Perhaps, in a mainstream movie, a wife seeking to do the same may not work. But, in a theatrical play like this, it is given an opportunity to be explored. The play does not end on a note that provides a solution to these family troubles.
The actors are a mixture of seasoned performers as well as learners. Geeta Tyagi delivers her role with perfection, bringing out different moods. Vijay Kumar plays many parts and it works for the audience. Ashutosh Khare also works fine. The other actors still need to get both the words as well as the emotions right.
Overall, AADHE ADHURE - a much-staged classic of Indian theatre - gives you a reason to watch this new production, despite family drama being part and parcel of television, films and web series. The staging of family troubles hits harder than the way the screen does. The play can be useful for couples or family members to watch together if they are looking to open up communication on touchy matters, or even help them empathise with each other.
(Tarun Agarwal is the author of Hope Factory: Business Ideas For Everyone, and has directed a short film, Honesty Weds Dishonesty. He feels reviews can be a piece of art and not just an assessment of it.)
