Still from the play Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
sylvetine, Written and directed by Shatarupa Bhattacharya, it is being presented on stage in association with Mad Hats Theatre. Originally written in English, this play has been translated into Hindi by Puneet Gupta.
Shatarupa has defined the play as a relationship drama. “It is also psychological and contemporary in nature. Silvatine is about two people who meet in an unknown place. They have a deep conversation, revealed to be long-lost lovers and, at the same time, complete strangers.
It seems like they have lived a life together, but at the same time, it seems like they are living separate lives too, says the director from his Matikere residence. They seem to occupy different realities, yet, seem to be in someone’s dream, leaving you to wonder if the encounter is real or just a dream.
This play by two actors (Ujani Ghosh and Sagnik Sinha) explores relationships, marriage, individuality, freedom, betrayal and hope.
Shatarupa Bhattacharya Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
,silvatin It is an autopsy on the incompatibility between two individuals, reflecting on the failure and survival of their relationship. They were not supposed to be together, but now they have met and are remembering some events in their relationship. The play is from a woman’s perspective and is women-centric.”
silvatin It is a realistic drama and is highly dialogue-oriented. “Audiences have to be careful,” says the 37-year-old theater practitioner, who also has a PhD in development studies. Shatarupa has been associated with theater for the last 14 years and is currently a faculty member at Manipal University, Bengaluru.
Shatarupa, who is interested in studies, says that theater happened to her by accident. “I was studying at the University of Hyderabad, which has a vibrant theater department. It was from here that I developed a passion for theatre. It happened naturally. I haven’t formally studied theatre, but have learned by working, acting and doing theatre.”
From an actor, Shatarupa transformed into a playwright Silvatin. “I learned to write through many workshops.” Shatarupa says that she has taken different things from different people, which have helped shape her theater journey. Shatarupa credits Abhishek Majumdar for helping her hone her playwriting skills.
“Writing was a conscious choice I made. I wanted to be the voice of women and their issues through theatre. It helps me tell the stories I want to tell, stories of marginalized women, stories that need to be brought forward. This is where I wanted to become a storyteller and this inspired me to become a writer-director. This is the first play I have written, but not the first I have directed.” Shatarupa has directed plays for Bangalore Little Theater and is currently researching women and witchcraft.
Silvatian will be staged on May 12 at Jagriti Theater at 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm. Tickets on BookMyShow
