‘The Park’ – Quiet Reflection on Personal Struggles in Shrinking World

Shimla Sept 28 Ritanjali Hastir

‘The Park ‘ a thought-provoking play by Manav Kaul, was staged today at the historic Gaiety Theatre as part of the Children’s Theatre Festival organized by the Keekli Charitable Trust. Directed by Sohaila Kapur and produced by Anuradha Dar, this production presents a clever and witty exploration of the struggle for space—both physical and metaphorical—in an increasingly constricted world.

Set in a park, the narrative revolves around three distinct characters, each visiting for different reasons. One character seeks a meeting with his doctor, grappling with psychological issues; another, a man burdened by anxiety over his special child’s academic failures, comes to pass the time; while the third character, a schoolteacher, is drawn to the sight of a colleague enjoying a moment of leisure on her balcony.

The initial pace of the play is somewhat slow, which may challenge audience engagement at first. However, as the story unfolds, it effectively establishes a connection with the viewers, thanks to the characters’ relatable struggles and the witty dialogue. Despite its absurdist themes, the engaging performances and minimal set design effectively captured the audience’s attention. However, a notable flaw was the positioning of the female character in the upper balcony, which caused some viewers to miss the action, relying instead on their imagination to fill in the gaps.

The play culminates in a poignant moment when the teacher solves a Rubik’s Cube, symbolically reflecting on the complexities of life and the potential resolutions to the problems faced by all three characters. “Park” is a worthwhile experience that captivates and engages the audience, making it a significant addition to contemporary theatre.