Make way for nano plays

Swati Rai

The nano-second attention span that we exist in hasn’t spared the creative space too. 

The first-ever micro drama festival, Thespis, was held in India (and possibly in the world) in the Capital recently. On the platter were 25 micro dramas, each 10-minute long, based on different themes and in myriad languages. 

The event commenced at 10.30 am and the skits were showcased back-to-back till 6.30 pm. We wonder if the fixed time period meant compromising with the theme and the intent of the play… Ajith Maniyan from Vriksh Theatre, the organisers of the festival, insists that even though the plays were short, there was no dearth of depth.

“The younger generation wants brevity. They love wit, humour, romance, thrill and sensitivity, but want it all delivered quickly! With the performances being short, one can even watch these plays on YouTube or other social media platforms if not live. Also a 10-minute play helps the performers and producers of the plays because of the lesser financial burden of props, costumes and venue, etc.,” he says.

The themes ranged from social issues such as female foeticide and tug-of-war between modernity and tradition, to women-centric features and satires. The award-winning Mrigha Trishna highlighted the constant clash between the protagonist and her conscience. There were plays reflecting the modern family’s existential crisis; for instance, Oru Nimisham was all about the tussle between professional and family life. If geo-political realities were reflected in Floating Leaves of Chinar, Aakhir Mera Qasoor Kya Hai narrated the story of Jamila, a distressed Pakistani woman subjected to domestic violence for her inability to conceive.

The response from participants was heartening as the organisers had to shortlist 25 plays from among the 40 entries received. Talking about the audience response, Maniyan adds, “It probably was for the very first time in the history of Indian drama that 25 plays of 10 minutes each were performed in a day-long event. Honestly speaking, we never thought that the audience will turn up so favourably for the event.” 

The event was dedicated to veteran actor Om Puri and thespians Kevelam Narayana Panicker and Heisnam Kanhaiya Lal, all of whom passed away recently.

With the festival eliciting good response, Maniyan is hopeful of the future. ‘I think we will be able to organise this event with much more zeal in terms of scripts and management and will be able to bring in more spectators to the show. Amidst busy schedules and engagements, one can go for micro over macro drama.”

A book containing the 25 plays was also released at the inaugural function by veteran playwright Prof Omcherry N N Pillai. The book is aptly titled Short and Sharp — Hues of Micro Drama.