On entering the hall on a cloudy Saturday evening at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall in Bangalore, I was greeted to an intriguing sight, a large picture of Lord Krishna as the stage backdrop...wait, Lord Krishna doesn't have a beard does he? It took me some moments to realize, it was actually the face of the Bard of Avon himself, coloured blue in the shade of Krishna...wearing the garment of an Indian deity.
That first sight itself, probably gave an insight on what this evening was going to be all about, William Shakespeare in a never before seen avatar.
Piya Behroopiya is in essence, a musical and the actors showcase their abundant skill not only in acting, but music and dance as well. The play begins, with a group of performers seated on stage, among them a harmonium and a tabla player. Not having been exposed to Nautanki style theatre previously, I was under the impression that the performers would essentially be singers and musicians, but as the play went on I realized that it was these performers who would take on the role of principal characters in the play.
The play begins with the principal characters introducing themselves. The Duke of Illyria, Orsino- master of all he surveys, but unable to win the heart of his beloved Olivia, still mourning at the death of her father and brother. The twins Sebastian and Viola, separated by a shipwreck, both believing that the other is dead.
The introductions are among the highlights of the play, all done in a manner full of humour, involving music and rhyme.The introduction of Sebastian, is the most hilarious, where he blames Shakespeare for giving the character a miniscule role, and the director for giving him this role in the 1st instance !!!
Few of the characters stand out for their interesting portrayal, Olivia for instance is portrayed as a Punjabi kudi with all the 'nakhras' of a wealthy countess.
The play follows the original Shakespearean storyline, with Viola disguising herself as Cesario and serving Orsino, Orsino appoints Cesario, as the messenger of his love to Olivia. Viola in the guise of Cesario meets Olivia with the duke's message and she falls in love with Cesario, thinking him a man. Adding to the comedy of errors is Viola herself who has fallen in love with the duke, but cannot declare her love since she is bound by her disguise. At Olivia's house we are greeted by Olivia's uncle Toby,his friend and drinking partner Sir Andrew and Olivia's gentlewoman Maria. We are witness to some hilarious sequences, where Sir Toby tries to convince Sir Andrew that he is the one for Olivia and posseses the courage, talent and charm to win his niece's heart. The jester of Olivia's household Feste also joins in the fun. The highlight of these sequences is the witty dialogue and of course, the singing of the actors. We are also witness to Olivia's pompous steward Malvolio, who isn't too popular with the others. Andrew, Maria and Toby decide to teach Malvolio a lesson, by writing a letter in Olivia's hand, where Olivia declares her love for Malvolio and asks Malvolio to wear yellow stockings cross gartered, and be rude to all the other servants and always smile in the presence of Olivia. Highly encouraged by the letter, Malvolio acts as per what he thinks are Olivia's instructions in the letter, and approaches Olivia. Olivia is shocked by the transformation in Malvolio, and thinks he has gone insane. Sebastian arrives on the scene soon after, and Olivia mistakes him for Cesario. Sebastian is also attracted to Olivia and the two romance each other.
The plot thickens with Orsino appearing along with Cesario (Viola). Olivia and the duke are both bewildered by the similarity between Cesario and Sebastian. The other principal characters arrive on the scene soon after and are equally flummoxed. Viola and Sebastian are stunned to see each other, and finally recognize one another. Sebastian reveals himself to be the twin brother of Viola, and Viola confesses that she was in the guise of Cesario and is in love with the Duke. Orsino's heart melts and he blesses Sebastian and Olivia to be married, and also accepts Viola as his wife. It is also revealed that Toby and Maria are betrothed. The last scene sees Cesario's transformation into the bride to be Viola, and what ensues is a euphoric moment of song and dance, where all the couples get married, and the other characters celebrate alongside them, except poor Malvolio, who is left high and dry.
Piya Behroopiya was truly a theatrical experience to be treasured. The sheer energy of the actors stood out throughout the play. Music was an essential character in the play, and the voices of Feste and Olivia were particularly outstanding. A unique treatment of a Shakespearean classic, it never deviated from the principal storyline. The humour, the sharp wit in the dialogues, and the interactivity with the audience are also worth mentioning.Overall it leaves the viewer refreshed and wanting for more. As soon as the play ended, there was almost a spontaneous standing ovation from the audience, marking a worthy end to a memorable evening of theatre.
