When a romantic tale, even with its share of tragedies mixes with humour, it is bound to be something to remember.
Like the Indian adaptation of Neil Simon's romantic comedy 'Chapter 2' by Jugaad Arts, which was performed at Alliance Francaise recently.
The play begins with a living room set-up, which is often used to represent two different scenes at the same time.
Aditya, one of the characters in the play, is back from a trip abroad, and seems to be recuperating from some tragedy. Nikhil, Aditya's brother tries to make him talk about it and spend some time outside.
Through the funny moments between the brothers, the issue is revealed — Aditya had lost his wife of 12 years to cancer recently and was having a hard time dealing with it. Nikhil's makes unsuccessful attempts to fix Aditya up with other women.
Aditya resents the idea of meeting women because they mostly turn out into atrocious tales, which left the audience breaking into peals of
laughter.
Over a phone call made on a mistaken identity, Aditya hits it off with Raaga, someone who Nikhil tried to set him up with. They agree to have a five-minute meeting, after which follow a series of dates and finally a rushed register wedding.
The couple despite being advised by Nikhil about the wedding being a hasty decision, goes ahead with their decision, and come back after a depressing honeymoon.
How the couple work their issues out, and openly express their love for each other, stepping over their past, is how the play comes to a close.
Flooded with witty remarks and rib-tickling one-liners, the play was a
delightful one. The stage props, elaborate, yet simple had everything to befit an apartment look and were detailed enough to be split into two venues between scenes.
The perfect lighting went with the mood of the play. The costumes, casual and simple, encompassed the different noticeable features of the theatre production.
Performed by Jimmy Xavier, Noel Manasseh, Kalyani Kumar and Prarthana, this debut play is both comedy and drama deftly woven together in a style that very few can pull off.