A quiet laughter

Pune’s experimental theatre scene has been stagnant for a long time now with plays that are outrageously philosophical and trying to ask and answer the fundamental, existential questions. However, breaking this clutter of seriousness is a silent play that is set to make everyone laugh even without saying a word.

‘I’m Not Chaplin’, is a silent comedy play written by Rustom Irani and directed by Milind Kulkarni. Speaking to dna, the director said, “The idea came to Rustom, who always wanted to do a silent play and was in search of a story. We have all been entertained and influenced by the works of Charlie Chaplin and this silent play is an extension of that form.” Adapting the silent comedy to theatre, the play tells the story of a simple spot-boy named Charlie, who is transformed into an actor by an arrogant director as part of a challenge.

With no dialogues at their disposal, the play comically narrates Charlie’s emotional journey of coming to terms with the ways of the big bad world. “We have relied heavily on music. Music plays throughout the duration of the play and has been influenced by Chaplin’s films,” says Milind.

The ensemble cast is made up of 22 characters, with Ashay Kulkarni playing Charlie, Rustom Irani playing the director and Prachi Deshpande plays the role of the director’s assistant, who later falls in love with Charlie.

The play will open on Tuesday, June 18 at Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha in Kothrud. And contrary to its title, let’s hope the play really does bring Chaplin, and what he stands for, on stage.