Director’s note of The Play "Kanyadaan" - Lillete Dubey

• When I read Kanyadaan recently, it was in somewhat of a vacuum. I was aware ofcourse, that it had been written several years ago, but I only realized it was a twenty-six year old play, after reading it. When I announced I was doing it, I was informed that it had already been performed several times, in different languages. So basically, why was I picking up a much performed play and that too, one that dealt partly with an issue that was somewhat dated?
• Simple. Because the play moved me to the core, with its writing, its characters and its story. Morever, it had never been performed in English, so there was a large section of people, who had never seen it. Its age was irrelevant because its story was so very relevant. To me it told a tale that was both universal and contemporary.
• Aside from its socio political resonance’s, KANYADAAN is a gripping family drama of a daughter marrying an’ unsuitable boy', and the forces this decision unleashes within the family. This universal phenomenon makes it accessible to audiences anywhere.
• The Dalit aspect of the play has a sociological and a political dimension. On one level.it is a clash of cultures between people who inhabit the same geographical space but entirely different worlds. And in the political context, the sad truth is that this problem is hardly dated! One has to only read about the recent Gujjur stories of revolt and marginalization, to realize how topical sadly enough, the play still is Above all, KANYADAAN exemplifies what a good play should do.. Impel and provoke us to reassess and reexamine the reality around us anew.

• Main Event : THEATRE "Kanya Daan - The Gift of a Daughter" English Play by Vijay Tendulkar at Kamani Auditorium - 18th & 19th July, 2007