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The Bride Who Would Not Burn
Variety is the spice of Life. I love trying
varied and new things. Getting to read a play was a first for me and I latched
the opportunity as soon as I got it.
There are basically 2 situations that are
enacted here. The play starts off with a Judge, Prosecutor and a Lawyer
catching up over a game of cards. They are discussing general things when the
story (Scene 2) of the play comes up. That story is about a girl named Poonam.
She gets married to Ravinder, and thus begins the age old drama of
mother-in-law and daughter-in-law issues over dowry. Does Poonam turn out to be
a docile daughter-in-law or she turns out to be "The Bride Who Would Not
Burn"? For this you have to read the play ahead.
The conversations between the Judge, Lawyer
and Prosecutor (Before Poonam's story comes up) is interesting. They develop
some kind of a curiosity to read Poonam's story ahead. It turns out as per
expectation because Poonam's story is a delight to read. The characters have
been etched perfectly. It goes on at a fast pace and that's the USP of the
play. The scenes have been drafted immaculately. The entry and exits of
characters, which is difficult to master in writing form, is also aced by the
author. Inspite of there being so many characters, there is no confusion. The
description of both the houses and the characters dwelling in those houses can
be visualised instantly. One almost starts enjoying reading and is at the edge
of the seat over what's going to happen next.
The way Poonam's play ended, I was
extremely excited and was expecting fireworks for the discussion between the
Judge, Lawyer and Prosecutor, that followed thereafter. That is where the
disappointment creeps in. The heated arguments, initially, were good to read,
seemed asif a heated and an interesting debate will take place. Which does take
place also, but the statements about Poonam's character are extremely crass.
The comments about "Girls" having only a "certain level of
sexual appetite" is extremely regressive and did not go down well with me
as a reader.
The author writes really well. His forte is
to write with a sense of humour and I love that about him. But these comments
about "Girls being only a specific way" are coarse. I think it is
high time the world realises that women are humans too. They also have feelings
and when it comes to feelings- nothing is right or wrong. Lets stop judging
people on the basis of prejudices which are going on since donkey's ears.
Poonam's story is a treat to read. If you
pick this one up I would suggest to stop once Poonam's story ends. The comments
ahead should be read at your own risk!
STARS- 2.5/5
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