The Parent Trap

Play: The God Of CarnageDirector: Nadir Khan Duration: 80 minutes Cast: Sohrab Ardeshir, Shernaz Patel, Zafar Karachiwala and Anu Menon Language: English Rating: 3It’s always amusing to watch parents goof-up and make blunders! Perhaps that’s one of the main reasons that make QTP’s newest play, The God of Carnage, so much fun to watch. In a humorous manner, it tells the story of parents (usually the epitome of righteousness to their kids), who falter and succumb to basic human tendencies when the tide is turning against them. The play is a translation of the award-winning French drama Le Dieu du Carnage, written by playwright and actress Yasmina Reza. It is an encounter between two sets of parents, one of whose child has beaten up the other. They meet to discuss the issue at hand in a mature manner, but as the evening goes by, things take a drastic turn, tempers fly, and it results in bedlam. Considering the cast comprises talented actors like Sohrab Ardeshir, Shernaz Patel, Zafar Karachiwala and Anu Menon, the director makes the most of this casting coup and ensures that each character bring something to the table. The chemistry between the couples is terrific too. Ardeshir and Patel’s banter, especially, is delightful to watch. The writing is witty and very contemporary and the narrative is smooth, so the story flows effortlessly and arrives at its finale. Though it’s predictable for most parts, there are times when certain moments catch you off guard: like the uproarious vomit scene, which is executed rather well on stage. The play doesn’t particularly offer any lessons on parenting. It’s a satirical take on it and so, often throws up truthful confessions about parents that are not pleasant to know. It explores a dark side of parenting and at best, shows you what not to do, when you are raising a child. Take your older kids along to watch this one.