Synopsis:
The play presents interconnected stories by Sadat Hassan Manto, each examining the human condition in the face of conflict and survival. In the first story "Tamasha", a family is overwhelmed by war and flees in search of safety. "Ten Rupee" follows a child forced into prostitution, where a man's regretful transformation takes place after spending a day with her. "Smell" tells of a man haunted by a passionate night shared with a factory worker. In "The Hundred-Watt Power Bulb," a prostitute kills her relentless pimp in a desperate bid for rest. "The Rats of Shahdol" depicts a mother’s lifelong grief after losing her child, whom she had once abandoned. The play ends with "The Dog of Titwal," a tragic tale of a dog caught between two warring nations, rejected by both armies. Each story explores themes of loss, regret, and the enduring impact of conflict on the human spirit.
About the Director:
Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry holds a Master’s in the History of Arts and a diploma from the National School of Drama. She founded The Company in Chandigarh in 1984, after her work with The Rang Mandal in Bhopal. A former Chairperson of the Department of Indian Theatre at Panjab University, she is known for plays like Kitchen Katha, The Suit, Yerma, Nagamandala, and Hayavadana. Her work has been featured in major national and international festivals. She has received multiple honors, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2003) and the Padma Shri (2011). Dr. Chowdhry is currently Professor Emeritus at Panjab University.
Directors' Note:
In rehearsal, two groups of actors from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds tentatively meet, facing the challenge of navigating an unfamiliar language and performance style. As Punjabi directors, Vansh Bhardwaj and I found ourselves confronted by the complexities of working with Malayalam, a language foreign to both of us. Despite the language barrier, we began collaborating with young actors from Kerala on a production based on Saadat Hasan Manto’s stories, which delve into themes of loss, grief, gender politics, and societal hypocrisy. Manto’s unapologetic, disruptive narratives challenge societal norms, addressing issues like misogyny and disparity.
With no definitive script, we selected stories like Tamasha, Ten Rupees, Smell, and The Dog of Titwal—fragments of Manto’s work that the actors helped shape through improvisation. I’ve always valued the rehearsal process over the final product, and in this unstructured approach, uncertainty created space for exploration and collaboration. Manto’s stories, often set against the backdrop of Partition, resonate with both personal and collective histories, especially for those living on society’s margins.
Manto’s work transcends borders, both physical and emotional, defying the artificial divisions of nations. In today’s world, fraught with conflict and prejudice, his stories are a reminder of the power of shared humanity and the need for empathy. Through Manto, we explore the resilience to rebuild, and the enduring hope in the face of destruction.
About the Group:
CULT (Calicut University Little Theatre) is the dynamic repertory of the Department of Theatre at Calicut University, bringing vibrant, thought-provoking performances to life. Each year, the theatre group produces a diverse range of plays, engaging local communities and showcasing their work at prestigious festivals. With a strong involvement of alumni, CULT blends fresh talent with seasoned experience, creating performances that resonate with audiences of all kinds. The department continues to push the boundaries of creativity, expanding its annual lineup and solidifying CULT’s reputation as a cultural hub for innovation and expression.
Cast and Crew:
On Stage:
Off Stage:
Contact Details:
Synopsis:
The play presents interconnected stories by Sadat Hassan Manto, each examining the human condition in the face of conflict and survival. In the first story "Tamasha", a family is overwhelmed by war and flees in search of safety. "Ten Rupee" follows a child forced into prostitution, where a man's regretful transformation takes place after spending a day with her. "Smell" tells of a man haunted by a passionate night shared with a factory worker. In "The Hundred-Watt Power Bulb," a prostitute kills her relentless pimp in a desperate bid for rest. "The Rats of Shahdol" depicts a mother’s lifelong grief after losing her child, whom she had once abandoned. The play ends with "The Dog of Titwal," a tragic tale of a dog caught between two warring nations, rejected by both armies. Each story explores themes of loss, regret, and the enduring impact of conflict on the human spirit.
About the Director:
Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry holds a Master’s in the History of Arts and a diploma from the National School of Drama. She founded The Company in Chandigarh in 1984, after her work with The Rang Mandal in Bhopal. A former Chairperson of the Department of Indian Theatre at Panjab University, she is known for plays like Kitchen Katha, The Suit, Yerma, Nagamandala, and Hayavadana. Her work has been featured in major national and international festivals. She has received multiple honors, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2003) and the Padma Shri (2011). Dr. Chowdhry is currently Professor Emeritus at Panjab University.
Directors' Note:
In rehearsal, two groups of actors from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds tentatively meet, facing the challenge of navigating an unfamiliar language and performance style. As Punjabi directors, Vansh Bhardwaj and I found ourselves confronted by the complexities of working with Malayalam, a language foreign to both of us. Despite the language barrier, we began collaborating with young actors from Kerala on a production based on Saadat Hasan Manto’s stories, which delve into themes of loss, grief, gender politics, and societal hypocrisy. Manto’s unapologetic, disruptive narratives challenge societal norms, addressing issues like misogyny and disparity.
With no definitive script, we selected stories like Tamasha, Ten Rupees, Smell, and The Dog of Titwal—fragments of Manto’s work that the actors helped shape through improvisation. I’ve always valued the rehearsal process over the final product, and in this unstructured approach, uncertainty created space for exploration and collaboration. Manto’s stories, often set against the backdrop of Partition, resonate with both personal and collective histories, especially for those living on society’s margins.
Manto’s work transcends borders, both physical and emotional, defying the artificial divisions of nations. In today’s world, fraught with conflict and prejudice, his stories are a reminder of the power of shared humanity and the need for empathy. Through Manto, we explore the resilience to rebuild, and the enduring hope in the face of destruction.
About the Group:
CULT (Calicut University Little Theatre) is the dynamic repertory of the Department of Theatre at Calicut University, bringing vibrant, thought-provoking performances to life. Each year, the theatre group produces a diverse range of plays, engaging local communities and showcasing their work at prestigious festivals. With a strong involvement of alumni, CULT blends fresh talent with seasoned experience, creating performances that resonate with audiences of all kinds. The department continues to push the boundaries of creativity, expanding its annual lineup and solidifying CULT’s reputation as a cultural hub for innovation and expression.
Cast and Crew:
On Stage:
Off Stage:
Contact Details:
