What’s more important — money or family? Which of the two would you prioritise and when? People were confronted with these and other questions as they watched an extraordinary Gujarati play this weekend.
Set against the backdrop of the 2006 Surat floods, Tapee Taro Tarkhat is the story of seven people stuck in one house. It throws light on the deep and complex nature of human relationships, and how crisis and adversity affect our emotions. It is a wake-up call to how disconnected we are in the so-called “connected world”. And how virtues like sharing, respect and compassion are thrown out of the window when survival is at stake.
The play is a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and tragedy. It was staged at the Phoenix Arena on Sunday, and it managed to move every one of the audience members that we spoke to.
An attentive audience.
Bharvi Bhatt says that she learnt not to leave things unsaid until the time of a crisis, and not to live with regret. “The play made me realise that until death presents itself in front of you, you will not confess your feeling to others, nor will you understand the importance of your life and other people’s lives. We should learn to live each and every moment of our lives to the fullest,” she says.
The beauty of the play is that despite being a comedy, it manages to convey an important message. And since Gujarati plays are rarely staged in the city, the city’s Gujarati population was eager not to miss it. One audience member even brought the actors a home-made treat. “Despite being a Gujarati, I have never watched a Gujarati play, because they are so rare. I baked brownies for the cast, to encourage them. I came with extremely low expectations, but the play blew me away. The actors were brilliant, and they managed so well with such few props,” says Payal Valera.
One of the most essential aspects of a theatrical production, especially a comedy, is timing. And the cast of Tapee Taro Tarkhat seems to have got that on-point. So convincing were the actors that the audience was roaring in laughter, gasping in surprise and even shedding a tear along with them.
