Sammy - a good prayaas!

Aaah! Sammy missed Gandhi Jayanti in Delhi, just by 5 days! Screened at the Kamani Auditorium recently, it's a play about the Mahatma who led India to its tryst with freedom. Written by Partap Sharma and Directed by Lillete Dubey, the play attempts to cronicles Gandhi from South Africa to the last breath. Albiet, in a contemporary fashion - the language chosen was therefore english. Sammy was the slang used by the Whites in South Africa for the quinessential Indian name 'Swamy'. The Whites used the term to tease the Mahatma once in South Africa. Little did they know, this was the word that would break their empire! The play suffered from 'pop' theatrical values. Attempting to bring out the indomitable wit of the Mahatma, Joy Sengupta (playing Sammy/Bapu) almost bordered being a stand-up act at times. Neha Dubey did try and liven up the Kasturba role, but the mannerism and gait couldn't help but remind one of the current breed of soap opera performers. The show was held in Aid of an NGO working with Children in Delhi called Prayaas. Interesting sets and a powerful cast did all it can to bring the times of the Mahatma alive. Was really heartening to see the sponsors - a whole lot of them. This was a philanthropic act for Prayaas. During the interval, a bunch of Children (special invitees) from Prayaas were merrily seen having a snack break perched on the stairs at the refreshments lobby. Looking at the show, and the kids having a special out - Sammy was a good Prayaas by Prayaas.