This play happening in Mumbai takes a microscope at love, modern dating scenes and marriage
The Open Couple is by Italian playwrit Dario Fo and explores the themes of trust, communication, and the complexities of love
Throughout a person’s lifetime, they will a quite a few deeply intense relationships, and the one between a husband and wife is truly the epitome of it. A satirical rom-com play based on Dario Fo’s The Open Couple, with actors Gaurav Sajjanhar and Vaishali Bhisht, will explore the intricacies and complexities of modern-day relationships. It follows Antonia (Bhisht), who suggests opening their relationship after years of dealing with her husband (Sajjanhar), and how these decisions change their lives.
Sajjanhar plays the role of ‘The Man' and says, “There’s something about being nameless that lends him the versatility to be and carry shades of almost every man within him. He comes with a generous dose of ego, pretentiousness and a stunning lack of self-awareness. However, through the play, you will see the layers peel away to reveal insecurity, jealousy, rage and even tenderness.”
Throughout the duration of this play, director Faraz Khan manoeuvres through the themes of trust, communication, and the complexities of love. He says, “I have lived with this play for nearly ten years and worked with several remarkable actors in its iterations. The play is funny and poignant as it speaks to our need to be in a compatible relationship. It does this all with the genius of Dario Fo and Franca Rame. I think anyone who has been in a relationship, wants a relationship, hates the idea of a relationship, or someone nursing a broken heart will relate to it.'
According to Bhisht, Antonia is a woman who “finds herself unexpectedly enrolled in a masterclass on open marriage, except she never signed up for it”. “She reacts to her husband's suggestion with the enthusiasm of someone being offered a root canal, feeling both betrayed and bewildered. As the play progresses, Antonia valiantly attempts to navigate this emotional minefield, wrestling with insecurity, jealousy, and an existential crisis or two,” she says.
Catch it LIVE!
What: The Open Couple
Where: Veda Kunba Theatre, Andheri (W)
When: September 1
Timing: 5pm; 7.30pm
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