KATHA COLLAGE

Motley is well living up to the trend that it initiated in the year 2000 with ISMAT AAPA KE NAAM. Having practiced the art of rendering pieces of Hindustani/Urdu literature in a viable dramatic form, Motley once again pays homage to two well-acclaimed writers- Munshi Premchand and Kamtanath.KATHA COLLAGE thus derives its dramatic format from three stories, each infused with the timbre that accompanies all good narration.

The first story titled Badebhai Sahab (Big Brother) by Premchand explores the relationship that exists between two brothers with particular reference to their adolescence.The second story titled Shatranj ke Khiladi (The Chess Players), also by Premchand looks at a pre-independence era in Luknow and centers around its two protagonists, best friends because of their shared passion for chess. The last story titled Sankraman (The Circle of Life) by writer Kamtanath is reflective of the transitory yet ironically unchanging nature of life and way of being. This is highlighted through the characters of a father and a son who are completely unlike each other till the son grows to resemble his father in every which way.

On the face of it, the three stories may sound simple and straightforward but actually they offer a variety of themes and motifs that are engaging. The production in its entirety, be it in its backdrop or in the virtuosity of the actor’s craft is significant of a minimalism that is commendable. In short, KATHA COLLAGE, like other Motley plays is not to be missed.