Great theatre is about challenging how we think and encouraging us to fantasize about a world we aspire to. – William Dafoe
Manoj Joshi’s Chanakya, a play about the legendary teacher and political genius who is credited with bringing Chadragupta Maurya to power and building the first grand Indian empire was classical theater at its finest. As all great classic theaters go, the play made us think not just about the life and times of Chanakya, the character, but also about our own life. The messages of the play had many insights for contemporary politicians in India and the US.
The play opens with Chanakya brooding over the threat of Alexander the Great. The depiction of Chanakya working to resist the forces of Alexander using cunning rather than might was the perfect beginning to the tale of this king maker. As the play progresses one gets to witness the genius of Chanakya and understand why the intellect is considered more powerful than the sword.
As you watch the play it is clear why Lord Krishna felt confident of supporting the Pandavas without ever bearing arms. Chanakya shows how battles can be won with strategy rather than swords. The play is also clear that while cunning and strategy may win a battle in the short run, success comes when the king and the king maker focus on the nation rather than on one’s own ego.
In the second half, yet another tale of out-of-the-box thinking and innovation on the part of Chanakya was outlined. The dissemination of weapons to forest dwellers and creating a guerilla army was key to defeating the established regime and bring Chandragupt Maurya to power.
Everything about the play was magnificent. The dialogues was in Hindi highly comingled with Sanskrit making. The complicated nature of the dialogue required complete attention. While all characters in the play delivered a fine performance Manoj Joshi stole the show as Chanakya. The role of Parvateshwar and Minister Rakshas was also delivered with great precision. The sets, lighting script and music had nothing lacking.
Live Indian theater is a luxury that one does not get to see often. The Boston area is grateful to Eshani and Chandu Shah for bringing us the finest theatrical show year after year. Lokvani tips our hat to you Eshani!
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