Sukhi Manasacha Sadra
Dir - Rahul Gune
Playwright - Rahul Gune
Synopsis:
Sukhi Manasacha Sadara, a political satire, employs the form of ‘vagnatya’, a folk art form widely prevalent in Maharashtra. This commentary on contemporary social, economic, and political issues uses a fusion of dance, drama, and music. The play follows a pattern of Gan, Gawalan, Vag, and Tamasha (all folk forms of Maharashtra). Shahir, the narrator, serves as the anchor of this performance, propelling the narrative forward.
The story centers around the newly elected king, who is deeply concerned about the declining happiness index of his kingdom. Determined to address this issue, he embarks on a journey to discover the key to restoring happiness among his people. The play uses the metaphor of the king, his vizier (Pradhan), and other characters to critique the socio-political affairs of our time. Does the king find a solution to the problems plaguing his kingdom? Join us on this captivating journey as we explore the King’s quest for happiness in Sukhi Manasacha Sadara.
Guntata Hruday Hey- Entangled Heart
Kalashri, MA
Dir - Dr. Durgesh Vaidya
Playwright - Subhankar Padwal
Synopsis:
Building a home away from your home country is a humbling journey — one many a US immigrant knows all too well. But what about the old, wrinkled footsteps left behind?
In a quiet corner of Pune, India, 65-year-old Anant Abhyankar prepares for a life-changing voyage. After years of polite refusals and shrewd cancellations, he is finally set to board a flight to Boston, where his son Mandar, daughter-in-law Abha, and little granddaughter Manu await him with open arms.
But change does not come easy to Anant.
His days are stitched together with comforting rituals — morning yoga with his buddies, tea at the local stall, newspaper-reading from cover to cover, and friendly jibes exchanged with familiar faces. These aren't just habits, they are small certainties weaved tightly in the fabric of his life.
As the clock ticks through the hours of this one decisive day, his inner world and outer duties begin to conflict. Alongside him is his sharp, affectionate, and ever-pragmatic wife Vatsala, nudging him along — reminding him to pack his shawl, keep his medicines, and bring his boarding pass. She challenges his excuses, soothes his hesitations, and gently draws out what he fears leaving behind.
"गुंतता हृदय हे " (Guntata Hriday Hey or Entangled Heart) is a tender and contemplative exploration of belonging, memory, and one's quiet resistance to change. Through soft humor, layered dialogues, and intimate silences, the play captures the emotional texture of a single day — where the heart is caught between the familiar comfort of the past and the familial pull into the unknown.
As the departure hour nears, a couple of questions linger:
Can we ever truly leave behind what we've spent a lifetime building — even as the warmth of one's family calls us forward? Can the simplest journey sometimes conceal the deepest secrets?