Exploring Love and Dowry: The Heartwarming Comedy of 'Udhedbun'
21 Sept 2024 2:24 PM IST
Picture courtesy : by arrangement
Watching a comical play about the lives of theatre actors with a message about dowry sounds intriguing! Plays that blend humor with social commentary can be both entertaining and thought-provoking. Seeing the behind-the-scenes of a theatre production can be rare for many, but it offers a unique perspective on the creative process.
“Udhedbun" is a heartwarming yet comical exploration of love, relationship and cultural clashes. It enhances on the social concern of society which is Dowry. The actors, embracing diverse roles, infuse the play with authenticity and humor, making the audience - both laugh and reflect on the universal themes of love and acceptance, at the same time it shows theatre journey and life around it.
Picture Courtesy : By arrangement
The play written and directed by Amit Suthar one of the founding members of Urban Chaupaal", a theatre company based out of Bangalore. It was written few years back as a short play for theatre festival held in Bengaluru and as it was received so well and won award in the best play category, after that then it was being rewritten and converted into a full length play. Amit Suthar's decision to focus on the issue of dowry, shaping the narrative to deliver a strong social message, shows the power of theatre in addressing important societal issues. Plays like this not only entertain but also educate and provoke thought among the audience. It's wonderful to see theatre being used as a medium for social change and awareness.
In contemporary metropolitan cities, attitudes towards dowry vary widely, influenced by cultural, legal, and socioeconomic factors. In many urban areas, there's a growing trend against dowry due to its unethical nature and legal repercussions.
The statistics suggests In 2021, 13,534 cases were registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961, marking a 25% increase compared to 2020. And these are just very few cases that actually get reported. India reports the highest number of dowry-related deaths globally. There 6,589 dowry-related deaths reported in India in 2021, Which means one dowry death occurs every 77 minutes in India. It’s not only limited to Rural Areas. Modern Urban trends include electronic gadgets, designer clothing, and luxury goods as Dowry. Urban families often link dowry to social status and consider high dowry as sign of high reputation.
Picture Courtesy : By arrangement
We have also Intertwining comedy with social satire by presenting the issue of dowry in a comical manner, you not only entertain the audience but also encourage them to reflect on deeper societal issues. The ability to make people laugh while delivering a meaningful message is a powerful tool in theatre. Moreover, aiming for clean comedy ensures that the play can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, making it a family-friendly experience. When two stories run parallel and converge to deliver a poignant message, it often leaves the audience with themes to reflect on long after the curtains close. It sounds like a compelling experience!
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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