This 2019 Sutradhar production remains a masterclass in adapting Ismat Chughtai's revolutionary fiction for contemporary Indian theatre.

“Ismat- Ek Aurat” By Sutradhar

Venue: Nritya Forum For Performing Arts

Title: Ismat Ek Aurat. Do Kahaniyan

Based on two short stories by Ismat Chughtai

Director: Vinay Varma

Production: Sutradhar

Plot: 

Saas revolves around the story of a grumpy old mother in-law. Her daily travails and constant tribulations in the form of noisy neighbourhood kids, pesky insects and an insolent son find her praying for death soon enough. She ends up directing her ire at her daughter-in-law. But is she all venom and malice?

Chidi Ki Duki is a nuanced critique of the stereotypes of beauty, love and marriage, replete with handsome heartthrobs, ‘fan girls’ and witty flirtations.

Review:

To praise or write about Ismat Chughtai’s at once incisive, insightful and delightful writing would be akin to showing a candle to the sun.

Why the play was named Ismat – Ek Aurat was explained to those present by reading out a little note of correspondence concerning the intrigue in the Hyderabad of yore, as to why Manto and Chugtai did not marry each other. This set the right tone for the measured, lively and layered performances from Pallavi Verma (Saas) & Dipti Girotra (Chiddi Ki Dukki).

Using storytelling techniques similar to Dastangoi, slipping effortlessly into various characters in their stories, the two actors delighted the audience with the various quirks and mannerisms of characters ranging from rural housewives to PhD wielding professors.

While one would be hard pressed to find a flaw in the performances, they could have been elevated by better sound and light design. The constraints of the venue notwithstanding, superior technical support would certainly have added to the mood the actors had so successfully created.

Rating: 4.5/5

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed ‘Ismat- Ek Aurat, Do Kahaniya’ by Sutradhar?

Vinay Varma directed this theatrical adaptation. The production was brought to life by Sutradhar, performed at Nritya Forum For Performing Arts with outstanding performances by Pallavi Verma and Dipti Girotra interpreting Ismat Chughtai’s celebrated short stories.

What are the two stories in Sutradhar’s ‘Ismat- Ek Aurat, Do Kahaniya’?

The production features ‘Saas,’ about a grumpy mother-in-law navigating daily frustrations, and ‘Chidi Ki Duki,’ a nuanced critique of beauty and marriage stereotypes. Both stories are drawn from Ismat Chughtai’s pioneering literary works and showcase her incisive social commentary through two-character performances.

What theatrical techniques does ‘Ismat- Ek Aurat, Do Kahaniya’ use?

The production employs Dastangoi storytelling techniques, allowing actors to slip effortlessly between various characters. This classical narrative style brings to life diverse personas ranging from rural housewives to PhD-wielding professors, creating a dynamic and engaging theatrical experience rooted in Indian performance traditions.

Why is ‘Ismat- Ek Aurat, Do Kahaniya’ relevant to Indian theatre audiences?

This adaptation celebrates Ismat Chughtai’s groundbreaking contributions to Indian literature while exploring her contemporary relevance. The play addresses enduring themes of female agency, social stereotypes, and patriarchal constraints, making her incisive commentary as meaningful for modern audiences as when originally written.

Who are the actors in Sutradhar’s production of ‘Ismat- Ek Aurat, Do Kahaniya’?

Pallavi Verma and Dipti Girotra deliver the measured, lively and layered performances as leads. Their portrayal of characters from Chughtai’s stories demonstrates exceptional command of both emotional nuance and comedic timing, bringing the author’s satirical observations to vivid theatrical life.