A Tale of Two Plays

Review by: Vijay Kumar

The double-header at the Diamond School, Lexington on Sunday Nov. 17th was not what I had anticipated. The roster boasted some well-known names — Ajay Jain, Ajay Jaysingh, Eesha Ingle, Arup Dey, and the versatile Madhu Nene among others -- and with such a stellar lineup, disappointment was unlikely. But what I got was double the pleasure!

The two productions — Lucy, a poignant social comedy laced with commentary on modern isolation, and Court Martial, a searing courtroom critique of systemic inequality — offered vastly different tones and narratives. Yet, each succeeded in its own right, keeping the audience engaged with impeccable performances, thoughtful direction, and stories that left a lasting impact.

Here’s a closer look at both plays.

Lucy: A Natyaranga Production

Natyaranga’s Lucy is a masterful one-act play that cleverly weaves social media affected isolation, modern life’s disconnections, resilience, and the human need for companionship. with the unique role of pets as emotional proxies. What sets this production apart is its subtle yet poignant commentary on the relationships we form — with animals, people, and ourselves.

The production succeeds in holding the audience’s attention from start to finish, thanks to its crisp direction, connected storytelling, some great laugh lines and stellar performances.

The play unfolds on a no-frills set - the minimalistic design draws the audience’s focus squarely onto the actors and their performances. This simplicity works wonders, as the actors, under the sharp direction of Madhu Nene ensure there isn’t a single moment where attention wavers. (At least not mine!)

At the heart of the story is Myra a modern desi wife, who skillfully oscillates between vulnerability and strength, between her private struggles and her polished social media persona. Her ability to seamlessly flip between these two identities is both striking and relatable. Eesha Ingle, portraying Myra, delivers a captivating performance, capturing the vulnerability, exhaustion, and performative cheerfulness of someone juggling emotional burdens and societal expectations. Katkar, played wonderfully by Gaurav Kulkarni, is presented as an empathetic reflective mirror, understanding and at the same time exposing the many layers of Myra’s vulnerabilities even as he confronts his own.

The titular Lucy, Myra’s pet dog, is a silent yet powerful presence throughout. At its core, the play uses Lucy as a metaphor to illuminate the silent but vital roles pets play as proxies for unspoken emotions, bridging gaps when human connections falter

The direction deserves a special mention for the play’s crispness, brisk narrative, sharp dialogue and ability to keep every moment engaging. Each scene flows seamlessly into the next, creating a rhythm that mirrors Myra’s turmoil and fleeting moments of solace. By the time the play ends, one can’t help but marvel at how it manages to pack so much depth into a single act. It’s a testament to the actors' skill and the director’s vision that the audience remains glued to the stage, fully immersed in the unfolding drama.

Play 2: Court Martial – a Natyaranga and StorySunao production

Court Martial, written by Swadesh Deepak, is a hard-hitting Courtroom Drama and timeless critique of social inequality, power dynamics, and the insidious nature of systemic oppression.

The play unfolds as an intense courtroom drama where a low-ranking soldier, Ramchander, is on trial for assaulting and killing a superior officer. As the case progresses, the narrative peels back layers of prejudice and class struggles within the military, holding up a mirror to societal injustices.

The direction is taut, with the courtroom setup creating an atmosphere of palpable tension, emphasizing the power hierarchies central to the story. The production’s attention to detail is commendable, particularly in the authentic military uniforms and the seamless transitions between scenes. Kudos to Madhu Nene!

Performances are uniformly stellar, with Ajay Jain delivering a gripping portrayal of Captain Kapoor, Yagnik Pandya as the presiding officer who grapples with his conscience. Ujwal Wasekar as Ramchander brings raw emotion and simmering anger to the role, making the audience empathize with his plight and Arup Dey who (channeling shades of Columbo, Matlock and Perry Mason) kept us riveted with his standout portrayal as the Defense Lawyer. The ensemble cast supported the narrative effectively, with each character adding depth to the unfolding drama.

What elevates this production is its refusal to shy away from uncomfortable truths, leaving the audience with questions that linger long after the final bow. Court Martial is not just a play; it’s a powerful commentary.

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