Gandhari
"Gandhari" weaves the mythical narrative of Gandhari from the Mahabharata with the vivid, poignant realities of contemporary #Indian women, inviting the audience to introspect on the many ways we choose to blind ourselves to our own truths🕳️👀 This fusion of the archaic & the contemporary reinforces the universality of myths & explores the metaphor of self-imposed blindness—anybody else getting #oedipus vibes…?
Vaishali Chakravarty captivates the audience from the outset, deploying masks & a shawl (dupatta) to breathe life into Gandhari. It's a theatrical journey🎭 that compels us to reflect on cultural constructs and societal expectations, especially around #motherhood…
As the narrative unfolds, we meet a spectrum of Indian women🌈 each embodying a unique, nuanced relationship with motherhood. From the overachieving mother who perceives her children as projects📋, the woman experiencing the tumultuous emotions of pregnancy after three IVF attempts, to the pious woman concealing her struggles, each character gives a different, nuanced perspective…
The character portrayals are distinct, with Vaishali employing varied styles for each monologue. Through a delicate balance of humour & pathos, her performance reveals the emotionally charged realities beneath the facade of social acceptability...
Initially, the contrasting styles between Gandhari's tale & the modern narratives seem to create a disjointed experience, but the omnipresent theme of motherhood weaves them into a cohesive exploration of tradition & identity🧵 While the segments on Gandhari might require a familiarity with her story for a richer experience, Vaishali’s powerful storytelling & presence keep the audience engaged & contemplative👥👥
In all, "Ghandari" is an insightful exploration of the place of motherhood in Indian culture, past & present. Vaishali Chakravarty’s mesmerising stage presence & adept character portrayal add profound depth to the experience, making it a thoughtful & resonant piece of theatre. 4/5⭐
#londontheatre #fringetheatre #womeninhistory