Popcorn

While bombs blasted in Delhi, I watched a theatre act in Jabalpur. Titled Popcorn it was one man act. More on it but first on blasts. I returned to get the news on blasts in Delhi. I had no words to say, I was shocked and I was angry. My first reaction however was number of dead and then a list of friends who live in Delhi. As far as I know they are safe and I feel good. On the provious night I watched "Mumbai meri Jaan" - story of blasts and after effects, people recuperating from mental shocks and finally getting over with the trauma. I don't have any commentary on blasts or people behind it or people who suffered. I am without words and thoughts!

On my way to house I knew I am going to a write about well performed, one man act which had all the tastes of emotions and a critique of present India. Blasts have demotivated me but still am writing. It was my first theatre watch, so I have no benchmarks to compare with. The light effects were very nicely used. Bright, dark, red, blue, yellow. In the play the protagonist is a popcorn seller at the railway stations and he tells stories from his life. His start - I am the grass and I grow over you, over your deeds, I know what you do, what you think. Well, as soon as the guy talks about a story, the light effects would move him into that situation. Most instances from life were included - like Banks running after (the bank in play was "lelo ji lelo ji bank"), great Indian thinkers, corruption, new generation of girls (which is still too indigestible to great indian men) etc. The play had a serious commentary on Army personnels behaviour with civilians esp in the train. This guy had dreamt of serving nation by joining Army, had to pass a month in the city as recruitment got postponed. He sold popcorns for a month, during that he once went to the Army coach with the intention of giving them popcorns free of cost. They beat him to death, while he pleaded mercy, they shove away women and beat old men. This guy decided otherwise from there.

His performance was very good especially the emotional scenes. He described a mad woman on platform who was later on raped by a fruitseller. Every emotion of his was fabulous. I will say it was a good start to plays for me. I will watch more.