Back in the year 2006, an unconventional theatre group of young student artistes was formed — with an intent to deliver dramas that packed a punch, every time they got on stage. Precisely a decade later, the long dusted plan saw a resurgence.
And here they are, with their forthcoming play Platform# 3: An experimental theatrical packed with hues of dark humour, philosophy, romance blended with social commentary. In a free wheeling chat, the team tells us more…
“The play essays the happenings of an eventful night, which take place at a suburban railway station of Kolkata, Platform # 3 to be precise. A man has already missed his train and wanted to board it enroute from this station but in vain. While he is still to think of his next move, he is joined by a mysterious old man who also happens to be a Baul singer. Their interaction are almost like clash of two worlds, however they are able to find their terms of engagement. In the due course of their acquaintance, matters become quite intense with the entry of a young girl. All the three have a plan for each other, only to unravel how to know their fates are interconnected too,” reveals Avinash Kumar, the director and the writer of the play.
Speaking about how drama is a mash of dark humour, philosophy, perspectives and innate and underlying needs, he adds, “From the team’s point of view, this is a suspense drama and more of a psychological/social commentary of the times we live in; nothing truly is as what it appears to be. Our treatment to this drama is experimental in nature.”
Armed with a team of six seasoned artistes, the drama also happens to be a convergence of sorts of former friends turned team mates.
“Both Kriti and I have been a part of dramas like Puppets of God and Sutta Na Mila. While I’ve been actively involved with theatre and singing, I believe this play truly challenged my abilities as a performer. Moreover, Bengaluru’s audiences are quite an accommodating lot — the love and warmth which you receive once you win their trust is quite heart melting. But before that you have to win their heart, show your worth and we are eyeing it and we will get there,” shares Koustav Roy, one of the protagonists of the drama.
The six member play also features artistes Kriti Srivastava, Ashish Adyanthaya, Suresh Kumar G, Titiksha Bhanote, Amith Nagaraja.
A product of the Puppets of God productions, Ashish Adyanthaya, one of the core members, pipes how the resurrection is leaving them all with bated breath.
“During our heyday, as students, we performed in various college circuits and fests in Hyderabad, IIT-Mumbai and in front of actors like Anupam Kher and Mita Vashishth. POG remained a close bond of friendship, while we got busy in our professional lives, which had unfortunately nothing to do with performing arts. But in early 2016, we decided to resurrect this group at a professional level, enriched with the experiences we gained in our personal and professional lives.
This play marks a comeback of sorts for us! From the point of view of what we’re anticipating, here’s how I sum it up: Unadulterated entertainment for the audience, an attempt to excellence for the performers and hopefully great business for the stakeholders!”
The play Platform#3 will be performed on September 10 and 11, 8 pm, 3 pm and 6.30 pm at the Jagriti Theatre, Whitefield.
