‘Chandni, a stage play by the Parvaaz Club of IIIT-Bangalore secured the runners-up position at competition of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management’s fest Revelations 2024, held on January 27.
The play stood out because of its original idea and script, an unexpected ending, strong final act characterized by breathtaking acting performances, great production design with sounds, lights and props complimenting each other.
After holding auditions, the team had hardly one week to start writing the script, practicing scenes and at the same time experimenting with lights and sounds, owing to the students’ varying schedules. Amusingly, the play Parvaaz performed went untitled because it was the message it carried that mattered the most.
Here is the winning plot of ‘Chandini’
The plot follows Ved, a 9 to 5 corporate employee, who gets laid off because of budget cuts in his company due to COVID-19. Always having a deep passion for performing arts, he decides to start a drama company with his friends. Although he needs two for his stage play, he is unfortunately able to find only one female actor. Accepting the plight of the situation, Ved decides to play a woman in his stage plays and becomes a huge hit amongst the audience. However, will his family and friends accept him for his art? Or do they think he is what he plays?
The team began practicing promptly, leaving no stone unturned, and simultaneously refining the script during rehearsals. Parvaaz ensured the inclusion of more first-year iMTech students this time, with a total of 9 out of 14 actors being newcomers to the stage.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Irrespective of the outcome of each practice session, everyone remained committed to the cause, staying late for one final run-through every day. The lead actor faced the challenging task of portraying both male and female roles, requiring extensive practice. The entire team rallied around him, assisting with perfecting his movements, learning classical dance (a new endeavor for him), refining expressions, and more. On the last day of rehearsals, the entire team persevered until 3 AM. Immense credit is due to the light and sound managers, whose creation of the soundtrack added depth and dimension to the play, elevating it from mere performance to a truly immersive experience.
The costumes were difficult to deal with because the protagonist had to switch costumes three times in the play as quickly as possible and the fact that he had to wear layers of male and female costumes on top of each other. The production team worked hard as they designed banners, posters and a cheque as props for the play.
On the day of the performance, the crew prepared to depart at 8 AM, despite only having had about four hours of sleep. After ensuring everyone’s makeup was done, the team departed from the college with their props and equipment in tow. Similar to the previous year, Parvaaz took the stage first this time. The team exuded confidence and clarity in their roles. Throughout the performance, cheers and applause reverberated, particularly during the protagonist’s mesmerizing classical dance performance in a saree. These reactions were a testament to Parvaaz’s achievement in delivering a successful play!
Finally, after all the performances, it was time to announce the winners. Although the team was very sure of winning first prize, Parvaaz was unfortunately declared runners-up.
Nevertheless, the entire crew proudly stepped onto the stage to accept the award. Upon returning to campus, they were greeted with congratulations from both students and faculty members, recognizing and celebrating their well-deserved success.
The costumes were difficult to deal with because the protagonist had to switch costumes three times in the play as quickly as possible and the fact that he had to wear layers of male and female costumes on top of each other. The production team worked hard as they designed banners, posters and a cheque as props for the play.
On the day of the performance, the crew prepared to depart at 8 AM, despite only having had about four hours of sleep. After ensuring everyone’s makeup was done, the team departed from the college with their props and equipment in tow. Similar to the previous year, Parvaaz took the stage first this time. The team exuded confidence and clarity in their roles. Throughout the performance, cheers and applause reverberated, particularly during the protagonist’s mesmerizing classical dance performance in a saree. These reactions were a testament to Parvaaz’s achievement in delivering a successful play!
Finally, after all the performances, it was time to announce the winners. Although the team was very sure of winning first prize, Parvaaz was unfortunately declared runners-up.
Nevertheless, the entire crew proudly stepped onto the stage to accept the award. Upon returning to campus, they were greeted with congratulations from both students and faculty members, recognizing and celebrating their well-deserved success.
