Shaming of the Shrew

The fear of judgement never entirely evades the human mind. And more so — closer home — In the Indian society. Running along a similar train of thought, Nothing Like That is an English play that focuses on perceptions that can make or break us as a society. In a candid chat with the cast and crew, we explore...
“This drama touches upon crucial topics like body image issues which are age-old reasons for harassment and other forms of bullying! The idea was to send out a message that’s loud and clear — that weaknesses and flaws are nothing but elements of the human psyche. We are all hugely flawed and there’s no way through it than acceptance.  It is very necessary that we embrace our shortcomings, look beyond it and be a part of a very inclusive society, which is the need of the hour,” shares Suraj Kiran, tje director, who believes Nothing Like That is a culmination of personal experiences of everyone associated with the play. The play is based on the stubborn yet illogical perceptions that our society has built over the ages! The play opens with five protagonists trying to deal with day-to-day body shamming issues. But, hell breaks loose when their own mirrors begin to start speaking up! “The protagonist’s thought process is then projected through shadow where they are stuck being called bald, short, aged or fat! How do they cross this society barrier is the crux of the play,” adds Suraj.

With an intent to strike a connect with individuals aged between 20 to 70; the play is just a result of what ensues when individuals pursue topics of societal relevance. Varun Marichi, who plays the role of one of the mirrors, chimes, “This play gives the joy of recreating the simple reality that we experience when everybody fails to see the interesting characters around us, but rather their body biases just to label them as dark, short, ugly or FAT. This is to say in fact, it’s NOTHING LIKE THAT!” Enthusing how bringing forth the real you begins in your mind; Prabhasini Mathur, another lead actor, states, “We see ourselves from someone else’s eyes and start judging our own conscience. But in reality, it’s nothing like that. NLT is a step towards making you realise that it’s all in your thoughts and once you come out of those mental barriers your surroundings change as well. So, if you think you are fat or dark or short or bald, go inside your thoughts and break that wall and come see the real YOU.”

Expectations are clear — to bring about feelings of acceptance and relevance. “The play caters to every one because we are catering to very basic body image issues which include aging too. That’s why we brought actors from varied ages to come and play a part so that the idea is relatable  to a lot of people,” Abhishek Iyengar, producer of NLT signs off. 

— The play will be premiering at Rangashankara on March 15 at 7:30 pm!