A parody on modern Indian life

Dramanon Theatre Group is presenting a play, ‘The Original Last Wish Baby,’ from 8 pm on October 13 and from 7 pm on the following day at Lamakaan. Written by William Seebring, directed by RK Shenoy, the play first premiered in Manipal in 2005. Since then it has been performed in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.

The play tells the story of a capitalistic India that cashes in on anything that is worth commercialising. In this case, it is a miracle in modern times of a baby born without a heart in Mumbai. The characters in the play are everyday people, and the play is a parody on modern Indian life. It shows normal, everyday people as being manipulative, even in their well-meaning acts.

Meanwhile, the media is shown as seeking to scintillate, even the smallest of acts, if it proves to provide those fifteen minutes of fame. If seen closely, the metaphor of the ‘heartless baby’ is quite an example in itself of an industrialised, corporate world, quite reminiscent of the literature from the post-industrialisation period. The story explores various facets of human existence, exploring a loss of identity, struggle with materialism, and what defines life and death.

Having been staged already three times in the city, the play comes in a new avatar with a more contemporary form, while retaining the essence of the original storyline. The play is indeed a roller-coaster ride of laughter, tears, contemplation and introspection.
What: The Original Last Wish Baby
Where: Lamakaan, Banjara Hills
When: Oct 13 and 14 at 8 pm and 7 pm respectively