Mahadevbhai (1892-1942) is a reminder of a healthy tradition that is slowly being obliterated by the devices of deep hatred and prejudice. The character who occupies centre stage is Mahadev Desai, secretary and onlooker to Gandhiji. The play is based on the daily diary that Mahadevbhai maintained, in which he jotted down the innumerable letters to and by Gandhiji, as well as conversations and banter, lectures and discourses. The form chosen is lively storytelling, interspersed with humour, as one actor plays out various historical characters like Gandhiji, Mahadevbhai, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, among others. The attempt is to understand the thoughts and principles that Gandhiji stood for; principles that are even more relevant in today’s world: Non-violence, religious tolerance, removal of untouchability and discrimination, improving the status of women. The play attempts to remind us of the times gone by, and create a show that is as captivating and charismatic as the men and women themselves.
The group:
Working Title was formed in 1999, and has been dedicated to theatre development, engagement and performances for audiences ranging from ages 5 to 75. Performance venues have varied, from village fairs to public parks, from Waterman’s Theatre in London to the University of Strasbourg in France. In addition, their activities include Theatre-in-Education programmes with schools and colleges across the country, as well as Theatre-in-Corporate programmes that focus on communication and skill development. Current productions include the long-running Mahadevbhai, Postcards from Bardoli, and Dirty Talk. Working Title has also been actively reaching out to young audiences across the country in the past decade, with their plays Once upon a Tiger, Day I Met the Prince, The Kachra Tales and the recently opened The Boy who Stopped Smiling.
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Director Says:
“I see Mahadev Desai as the tantra to arrive at the tattva of Gandhi.”
Cast and crew
Performed by – Jaimini Pathak
Lights – Gurleen Judge
Production – Deepak Agarwal
Sound – Radhika Kadam
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