SETU (Stage Ensemble Theatre Unit) staged four shows of Vijay Tendulkar’s original play in English titled “Kamala” on March 31, April 1 and 2 at the Mosesian Center for Arts in Watertown, MA. Directed by Subrata Das, the story centered around the realization and determination of a demure housewife, Sarita (portrayed by Jayanti Bandyopadhyay) to finally stand up against her journalist husband Jaisingh’s chauvinism (portrayed by Subrata Das).  A variety of emotions in the story such as fear, envy and jealousy, disgust, happiness and grief were conveyed through engaging scenes in the play. What made the play come alive was excellent character portrayals: Kamala, a helpless woman bought by the journalist in a flesh market (portrayed by Aditi Taylor), Jain, a fellow journalist (portrayed by Nilay Mukherjee for a couple shows and Ravi Nimmagadda for the remainder of the shows), Kakaji, a senior journalist visitor (portrayed by Ravi Kacker), the housemaid (portrayed by Rohini Pola) and the flesh market pimp (portrayed by Mahesh Palriwala).

Jaisingh’s controlling and domineering personality, Kamala’s inhibitions in a new environment, Sarita’s kindness towards destitute Kamala, the housemaid’s authoritarian stance, Kaka Saheb’s sympathy towards Sarita, Jain’s (played in separate shows by Nilay Mukherjee and Ravi Nimmagadda) competitive friendship with Jaisingh, the growing marital tensions between Sarita and Jaisingh were the engaging personality and relationship facets of the play directed superbly by Das and portrayed with confidence by the cast.

It was interesting to learn that the debut production of this play had happened 14 years back in Boston with Subrata Das and Jayanti Bandyopadhyay playing the lead roles. A memory keepsake, a framed photo of Das and Bandyopadhyay from the 2003 production was one of the decorations used in the simple and functional stage design which served to create a cozy atmosphere of an upper middle class home. While live song and dance sequences by Shikha Bajpai, Shilpa Khanorkar and Purbi Rana added color to the show, the expert management of lights and subtle background music enhanced the transitions between scenes and overall effects in the brisk paced play.

2017 marks the 14^th anniversary of SETU productions. SETU has successfully staged among others, impressive productions featuring the mighty epics Mahabharata, Ramayan and historical play Shahjahan in the Boston area. Kamala, with fewer members in the cast and crew, was powerful nonetheless due to a bold and interesting story, a crisply edited script and flawless dialog delivery. Kudos to SETU’s cast and crew for a new feather in their cap. Boston audiences look forward to more productions from SETU.

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