Remembering GS Chani
To celebrate the birth anniversary of GS Chani, whose commitment to community theatre has left a lasting impact on Chandigarh’s cultural scene, CEVA Drama Repertory will organise an event called Akki Naa, Jhakki Naa, Thakki Naa at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, today.
This year’s celebration brings three clown pieces performed by members of his theatre group, the CEVA Drama Repertory. The first solo act, How To Be A Woman, by his daughter Sukhmani Kohli explores the absurdity of gender norms through the lens of clowning. Directed by Sukhmani, the duration of this piece is about 12 minutes.
The second act, Ferdinand Fool-chand, is a clown adaptation of Munro Leaf’s story Ferdinand the Bull. Ferdinand is a tender-hearted, young clown-bull who, unlike the other rowdy bulls, prefers to spend his days quietly sitting and smelling flowers. As he grows older, however, the expectations of the world clash with his gentle nature. Its duration is 25 minutes.
Taana Bin Baana Kaisa, the third act, is inspired by Dr Suess’s story, The Sneetches. A bunch of playful clowns find their lives turn into an absurd frenzy when they meet an ambitious businessman. He promises them a ‘better life’ and the clowns are led on a comical yet poignant journey of self-discovery. Its duration is 40 minutes.
(Today at Tagore Theatre from 5.30 pm onwards)
