Theatre @ WCC ❤️

A Theatrical Triumph at Women’s Christian College

26 Sept 2013 #theatre #WCC

Women’s Christian College (WCC), Chennai, hosted two captivating theatrical performances: Mahesh Dattani’s Where There’s a Will, a witty exploration of family dynamics, and Jokumaraswamy, a gripping tale centred around the superstitions and schemes of a village zamindar named Gowda.

Staged as a fundraiser over three consecutive days (26 – 28 September 2013), the productions played to a packed hall of enthusiastic spectators. Both plays were helmed by our former professor, Dr. Rajani. His distinct ‘director’s touch’ was palpable, evident not only in the cast’s stellar performances but also in the meticulous attention given to the stage props.

Tightly paced at 50 minutes each, the productions kept the audience thoroughly engaged from start to finish. The characters endeared themselves to the crowd through deeply passionate performances, drawing thunderous applause and ovations throughout the evenings.

Where There’s a Will dives into the life of Hasmukh Mehta, a wealthy businessman and staunch male chauvinist, alongside his wife Sonal, son Ajit, daughter-in-law Preeti, and mistress Kiran Jhaveri. The narrative hinges on Hasmukh’s cleverly drafted will - his ultimate tool for maintaining control over his family even from beyond the grave.

However, his posthumous meddling unexpectedly unites his wife and his mistress. With Hasmukh’s ghost serving as an ever-present, humorous observer, the play masterfully exposes the power politics inherent in patriarchal households.

The stark contrast between Hasmukh and Kiran is particularly well-executed: while he attempts to dominate his family through legal constraints, she builds alliances and genuinely works to mend fractured relationships.

Jokumaraswamy proved equally powerful. The character of Gowda dominated the stage with grand costumes and quirky mannerisms, standing in sharp contrast to Basannya, the tragic victim of Gowda’s plotting.

Gowdti, the zamindar’s neglected wife, was portrayed with tremendous emotional depth. Meanwhile, the supporting cast demonstrated a near-perfect sense of comic timing, frequently leaving the audience in splits.

Under Dr. Rajani’s brilliant direction, the students were able to bring to life these two complex plays, with such nuanced precision and incredible emotional depth.

As such, the students of WCC deserve a massive round of applause for their ability to portray such a wide spectrum of emotions truly enthralling everyone in attendance.

Finally, a special mention must go to the lighting committee - their impeccable timing and flawless execution enhanced the atmosphere of both plays, rounding out a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.