Ten-Second Takeaway
Anuja Ghosalkar's documentary-theatre performance, Lady Anandi, which shines the spotlight on theatre, history and gender, comes to Ranga Shankara this week.
Lady Talk
Be it for its documentary-theatre format or for the concept it portrays, Lady Anandi by city-based theatre artiste, Anuja Ghosalkar, has enough reasons to pique your interest. A one-woman show that has gradually grown into its present form since she began the initial research in March 2015, the play has Anuja portraying the character, Lady F, an actor haunted by the ghost of her great-grandfather every time she goes on stage. And, to intrigue you further, the supernatural character is based on Anuja's great-grandfather, Madhavrao Tipnis. What makes the ghost's character so interesting is that he was a female impersonator in late 19th century Marathi theatre {and his performance as Lady Anandi, a historical figure}. To put it simply, the artiste is actually a woman playing a man who portrays a woman! Got it? Good.
Real Tales
While that was enough to catch our attention, there's more to the performance. Described as a work-in-progress, the play is, essentially, unfinished and uses feedback and suggestions from the audience to complete it. So make sure to stick around for the Q&A session at the end of the show. Playing with the idea of 'being a lady' and taking a peek into the history of theatre as well as gender roles, Anuja has also included real photographs {some are even projected onto her body} and anecdotes along with a dose of fiction. In fact, don't be surprised if you find her reading from the script onstage {yes, that's part of the performance}. Described as a feminist, fun and interesting piece, this one has us rushing to book our tickets already.
#LBBTip
There will be another show of the same play at Atta Galatta on Saturday, July 2. Find more details here.
When: Thursday, June 30
Where: Ranga Shankara, 36/2, 8th Cross Road, JP Nagar, 2nd Phase
Price: INR 200
Timings: 7.30pm
Contact: 080 26493982
Buy tickets for the event here.
Find the event on Facebook here.