On one hand, is the romanticised idea of western love and on the other is the traditional idea of arranged marriage, the story unfolds presenting the good and bad sides of both. As the story unfolds, we get to know the complicated lives of each individual and how the relationships are woven, paving the way for a rom-com.
The play deals with the complexity of each individual and the idea of imperfection. It also brings forth the reality that cultures can be easily misunderstood and we can sometimes just be stubborn with our beliefs. When Iris arrives in India, she often finds herself in a unique and difficult position culturally. When the couple moves in together in Mumbai, it is not surprising that they are not happy. The journey of their lives is not moving in the same direction as they fantasized. As a result, there is a comedy of cultural and racial errors.
The set on the compact stage covered most of the space leaving little space for the actors to move around. The lighting was well suited and added to the different moods of the scene. All the actors have very well managed to ace the accents, especially Auritra Ghosh and Aditi Sivaraman, both of who play the roles of foreigners. The female characters in the play are strong, independent, they speak for themselves and make their own decisions. Through the story of Raina and Mandakini, we are reminded of the existence of gender and power dynamics in a set-up of an arranged marriage. Mandakini, who wants to talk freely and dress as she wants, often takes a back seat because of societal norms. Mandakini's character has a beautiful arc that ends in her taking an extremely crucial decision for herself.
Aditi Sivaraman plays the character of Indira, Sujit's friend, who has just returned from America. She has a hard-hitting monologue in the second half of the play where she describes how and why she left her ex-partner. The monologue is very well performed by Sivaraman, who has made sure to drive the point home for the audience.
There is a wonderful scene in which all the characters are together on stage, eating in a restaurant. The conversation that follows is insightful, witty with a touch of situational humour and eventually escalates in full-blown chaos and fight amongst the characters.
These are the moments that make this play worth watching. The play could feel a bit long as it goes beyond two hours but if it dips in a scene or two, it also manages to pick up from the next scene and takes on a rom-com ride. The story manages to raise questions without being preachy-- about racism, colonialism, the agency of women, the complexity of relationships, and human nature which has both dark and light sides.
*Parul Rana is a theatre enthusiast and movie buff.
THE YOGA OF SEX, MARRIAGE AND LOVE Play Schedule(s)
