PEAKLIFE

Speed-Play Productions, a Mumbai-based performing arts company, is hosting their debut play ‘Chafed’, this December 10th to 12th. PEAKLIFE gets in conversation with Sunny Sharma, actor and playwright, and explores more on the provoking play.

When is supporting a loved one damaging? When do rules dictate the moral base? Who is right in a debate about respect? A journey through the complex lives of four actors who are a part of the film industry in India, Chafed will explore the ever-evolving film-industry which is under scrutiny. It explores what it takes to ‘make it’. Told from the perspective of both men and women – the modern play promises to narrate the complexity of human relationships.

The play will be showcased from December 10th-12th at G-5/A, Laxmi Mills Estate, Shakti Mills Ln, Mahalaxmi West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400011, at two-time slots – 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm.

It’s the first outing for Mumbai-based actor Sunny Sharma as a playwright collaborating with international award-winning Australian director Glenn Hayden. In conversation with the creative force, here’s a deeper dive into the play’s essence with Sunny:

1.) How did the idea or concept for Chafed first ignite?

Back in 2019 during the #metoo movement a lot of interesting conversations were taking place around the role of men and women at the workplace. I wanted to explore what one’s personal life might look like, that became the plot. The second thing I was interested in was a debate of equal measure between both sides. Interviews and arguments online became a source of material and inspiration.

Chafed is a journey through the complex lives of four actors who are a part of the film industry in Mumbai. It is told from the perspective of both men and women – the modern play deals with the complexity of human relationships.

2.) What are some challenges that you had to face while bringing this play to life?

The biggest challenge for a first-time writer is belief in the script, not just from others but from the writer itself. A play is nothing but words on paper without the performers and a director. Once we had belief from a few people, everything else was just about logistics and building a team that could handle production. We had just a month to put it all up. It was a steep learning curve for everybody involved.

3.) What was your experience like working with your mentor and director Glenn Hayden?

Glenn is unlike any other director I’ve worked with in the past. His off-handed style coupled with his desire to collaborate with the actors is both refreshing and empowering. He brings a lot of experience with him and he played a much bigger role than just the directors. This is our first production so we were looking to him for guidance on everything. From designing the set, sound, designing the poster, he was involved in pretty much everything. It was a great learning experience for me to watch how he handled difficult situations with composure and grace.

4.) Personally, how important or essential is this project to you?

As a writer and performer both, this is the kind of a project that I always wanted to be a part of. A script that gives an actor space for interpretation and dramatic performance. As a writer, to see the script I wrote and those words come alive by talented actors who brought their A game to every reading/rehearsal and who were directed by one of the best.

5.) Naturally, there must be certain expectations for the play. What feedback are you expecting from the viewers as they watch Chafed?

I’m curious to know what people think about the play. My gut feeling says not everybody is going to be on the same page. The characters in the play are both flawed and fabulous. The real drama I believe happens in the seats of the theatre. I hope people are entertained more than anything else and I hope they all have their own individual experience of it.

Tickets available at insider.in and bookmyshow.com.