Fever Dream Cast Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The climate crisis is worsening as time goes by, and Mumbai-based theater company Tafriwale is bringing this crisis to life through a satirical play. Topic fever dreamThe drama follows Viren, Shree and Deepak who present a novelty in a technical talent show. In collaboration with environmental and social justice start-up Asar Social Impact Advisors and Climate Culture Collective, in this play the trio introduce ‘cool pods’ that could make the world ‘a better, cooler place’ and also explore the challenges they face along the way.
A snapshot of rehearsals Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Meghna AT, a play director and founder of Tafrihawale, says it was earlier this year when Aasar’s Brikesh Singh approached her and asked if she could script a play about rising temperatures. “I took advantage of the opportunity.”
Most of us engage with climate through a factual/news-based lens, says the 29-year-old theater artist. “We read about floods, droughts, extreme temperatures, and sometimes even experience them ourselves. However, the climate crisis is still largely seen as a future issue, or one that affects others, not us.”
The team’s intention, says Meghna, was to create a play “that could help people see themselves as deeply implicated in the climate crisis, but also as an important part of the climate solution”.
She explains that making theater is always a process of extinguishing 100 fires. “An apt metaphor for a play about climate. However, the biggest challenge was the script, as we were determined to balance the informational load with the entertainment and storytelling that lies at the core of the story.”
It was important for Meghna to underline the seriousness of the rising temperatures while keeping the tone of the play light and satirical. “I firmly believe that versatility of tone can allow us to connect more deeply with difficult subjects, and I hope we’ve struck that balance.”
A snapshot of rehearsals Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Although the play is currently being staged in Bengaluru, the team plans to take it to other cities. “The drama is based on a reality TV show we are all familiar with to some degree. The challenges the characters face are ubiquitous across our country: balancing the old and the new, preparing for warmer days to come, trying to make something of yourself, trying to create something new. We think this story is deeply relatable and we hope to travel far with it.”
on 17 October at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur and on 18 October at Courtyard Koota, Kengeri. Tickets at in.bookmyshow.com
published – October 15, 2025 11:06 am IST