When is supporting a loved one damaging? When do rules dictate the moral base? Who is right in a debate about respect? Chafed, the debut play by Speed-Play Productions, a Mumbai based Performing Arts Company, is about a journey through the complex lives of four actors who are a part of the film industry in India.
This drama 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.
It’s the first outing for Mumbai-based actor Sunny Sharma as a playwright collaborating with international award-winning Australian director Glenn Hayden. The play is intelligent and provocative and will have audiences leaving the theatre with new questions about an old industry.
Speaking on Chafed, actor and playwright Sunny Sharma said, “I wrote the first draft of Chafed in 2019 with the clear intent of making it. Didn’t know that two years would pass before I would revisit it again. The pandemic hit us all hard! Just seeing the play start to take form is very surreal for me. I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to work with the experience and expertise of someone like Glenn Hayden in my first outing as a playwright! We have an eclectic bunch of young actors who are working tirelessly to put on a show that will intrigue and satisfy.
He added, “I’m an actor and so setting the plot and characters in the movie industry came naturally to me (write about what you know…am I right?). Quite frankly it’s nerve wracking to write about stuff so close to us in the industry. But I’m excited for the audiences to come and experience the live performance. I’m so glad the theatres are back open!”
Speaking about the collaboration, International Award-Winning Australian Director Glenn Hayden said, “I have been blessed in my 38-year career to have worked on over 20 new plays by emerging and established playwrights. Working on a new text, writer in the room, fresh actors eager to be the inaugural story tellers…this is the stuff of dreams! Sunny Sharma has written a biting and timely new play about the Indian film industry that will raise questions that need to be asked. More-so, Chafed is a play about how we can domineer and be domineered under the guise of passion and love. The cast that has been assembled for this fresh production is stunning. I am thrilled to be a part of this journey and, as always, ecstatic to be part of bringing a new play to the theatre.” ‘Chafed’ will be showcased from December 10- 12 at G5A at two-time slots 5pm and 8:30 pm. The production house will also be hosting a special preview on December 4 2021, at 3 pm, half-priced for students and theatre fraternity.
