‘Charades’ mirrors today’s urban lives

Set in a plush South Bombay household, ‘Charades’ revolves around the lives of seven young adults and the secrets their cellphones bring with them. The play sends across a powerful message on how the device, originally created to make our lives easier, has actually emerged as a ransom device and hoards every individual’s secrets. The play also explores the themes of modern gender roles, class and profession related stereotypes, insecurities and distrust in urban relationships and sexual fluidity.
Written, produced and directed by Swagata Naik, she also plays the role of Naina Kapoor, a dissatisfied and an ambitious lawyer.
The cast also includes the play’s co-writer Saloni Khanna, co-director, Nishank Verma, Kashyap Shangari, Gaurav Sharma, Sankalp Joshi, Priyanka Arya, Ankit Narang and Raabiyaa Marici. The cast represents the modern generation of actor entrepreneurs who bring with them a youthful energy to the Indian theatre scene. The actors underwent training at Adishakti, Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts, SRFTI and the Jeff Goldberg studio. The play explores the theme of the modern obsession with the mobile phone against a background of love, friendship and deceit. The theme is topical and relatable and lends itself to a play. It is a psychological drama and is designed to make the audience think about that omnipresent virtual world and their own charades.
As an independent artist, Swagata aims to contribute towards changing perceptions and breaking stereotypes. In this play, she has challenged the stereotype that glamour and intelligence do not go hand in hand by showcasing three glamorous women who also bring with them powerful careers and family lives.