Another sell-out crowd at joint YSA-KRI play!

Six years after presenting its maiden play titled Khoj — In Search Of! to a sell-out crowd of more than 900 people, YSA teamed up with KRI Art and Theatre to present a second play to yet another full-house. More than 700 people watched ‘The Doctor is In’ at the Alliance Francaise Theatre on 15 and 16 October 2011.

The English language comedy, which had three shows, revolved around an Indian family which moved back from the United States to Mumbai and grappled with the various demands of globalisation eroding traditional Indian family values. According to Ms Lovleen Kaur Walia, the Director, the script contained “a lot of Indian moments” to which she could relate, coming from an Indian family herself. The comedy was written by Shane Sakhrani, a Hong-Kong born Indian with an MFA in Dramatic Writing from the University of Southern California.

When YSA was approached by KRI earlier in the year to jointly present the play, we immediately accepted the offer for two reasons. The first was that we were buoyed by the success of the first venture and we were waiting for a similar opportunity to come our way again. Secondly, true to the mission of the Association, we were always on the lookout for ways in which we could support the youth in the community in their endeavours and in fulfilling their vision. The theatre offered a unique platform for budding artistes to showcase their talents, so we decided to be a part of this initiative.

YSA saw much value in supporting someone like Lovleen with a dream, and the passion and the desire to want to realise it. At the same time, the play and the messages it relayed to the audience were appealing. Whilst it was a comedy revolving around an Indian family, the issues it raised were real and serious. These included the challenges of the perceived generational gap and communication issues, filial piety, inter-racial relationship and the need for the family to remain united to overcome the challenges of life.

The play received much complimentary feedback from the audience. Many who turned up for the event were impressed by the level of talent and professionalism displayed by the cast. As in the case of the first play, requests for more such plays were made to YSA and KRI.

We do hope to bring the next play out soon!