Jaipur’s drama-lovers enjoy a hard-hitting play 30 Days in September

Sexual abuse has always been a sensitive subject and really hits hard when it delves deep into the trauma a victim goes through. Jaipur’s theatre lovers recently got to witness a powerful play dealing with sexual abuse '30 Days in September' by Mahesh Dattani.

The English play by Kalandar Society was staged at the Rajasthan International Centre. Directed by Ruchi Bhargava Narula, the one and half hour long play delves into themes of love and betrayal within the confines of family, addressing the sensitive issue of child sexual abuse, and profound effects on the victim’s life and personality.The play vividly portrays Mala’s plight who was abused by her own uncle. It builds on the trauma of a girl who lives with the haunting memories of her abused past and could not share the trauma with anyone. Chirmi Acharya who played Mala’s character stole the show with her intense acting and emotions. While her mom Shanta hides her own pain and suffers silently. Neekee Chaturvedi, who played Shanta, aptly portrayed the agony of a woman living her own silent pain. Shashi Kiran who essayed the role of Mala’s boyfriend Deepak did justice to his part. Kartikeya Misra played Mala’s Uncle.
The play was very well-received by the audience. Shares Arvind Singh, an advocate, “The subject was quite an eye-opener for todays society where people suffer silently and do not share their trauma. I am amazed to see intense actors Neekee Chaturvedi and Chirmi Acharya so beautifully and intensely portraying their roles and bringing out the harsh reality of our society.”