The Relationship Conundrum

The theatre is one of the key medium of arts that focuses on the issues of society and powerful performances play a significant role in delivering that message. Vinay Varma and Supriya Aysola using their panache in acting showcased a power-packed performance in the Hindi adaptation of David Mamet’s epic play ‘Oleanna’.

The play, directed by Bhasker Shewalkar, was staged on March 21 and 22 to mark the celebrations of World Theatre Day by Sutradhar in collaboration with Department of Language and Culture, Telangana, at Ravindra Bharati Auditorium, Hyderabad.

‘Oleanna’ showcases the complexities of a man-woman relationship, not just in personal space, but professional realm too, and the thin line between sensitivity and abuse and how easily the line is crossed leaving it to the world to judge what is right and wrong. It also represents the power struggle and miscommunication between the professor and his student. 

Vidya (Supriya), a student with a complex character, seeks her lecturer’s help when she does not understand a subject. In this regard, she tells her lecturer (Vinay) that it is pretty hard for her to comprehend the book on the subject, which is written by him. The wordplay between Vidya and the lecturer showcases the follies in our education system. 

The lecturer tries to explain it to her, however, towards the end asks her to come to his office daily to secure an A grade in the subject. Although, it seems like the teacher is trying to empathise with the student, but Vidya is confused about why he is calling her daily to his office. Just when the lecturer is about to get tenured, Vidya levels sexual harassment charges against him, and he is suspended. 

He asks her to withdraw the complaints; and she in turn presents a list of demands for her to do that. The play ends on a violent note leaving behind questions in the minds of the viewers of what is right and wrong, and truth and perception – just like in life…

The two-character drama shows various aspects of the student-teacher relationship, revolving around its insecurities, institutional politics, hypocrisies of higher education, student influences and the issue of sexual harassment.