Get on board

Prithvi Theatre

Banking on our love and madness for board games, Saloni Shukla decided to get the audiences hysterical, shrieking and playing detective with her new play, Clue. An original Peter DePietro's script, Shukla, instantaneously took to the concept - "While I was looking for a few children's play subjects, I found his play, which is based on the board game Cluedo. His was a version for an adult audience, which I adapted to a format suitable for kids as well. The idea of playing a game while watching a play was exciting."

The cast of the play rehearsing at Prithvi Theatre. Pics/Atul Kamble

The play should be an edge-of-your-seat experience, as the audience will have the potential to unfold any of the 216 possibilities as per the cards. "At the start of the game, three audience members step onto the stage and pull out three cards that determine the Suspect, Weapon and Room responsible for the murder. During the play, actors reveal different clues and after every clue is revealed, house lights come on for a bit; then, the audience members need to mark these clues on a clue sheet given to them on entry," shares the young director.

Director Sonali Shukla in action

The reward lies in being the ‘winner' by getting all three clues correctly, and being applauded by the production team for their detective skills. The play seems challenging, as 216 possibilities can't be rehearsed, to which Shukla replies, "We have rehearsed the last scene with each suspect. So, depending on what cards have been drawn, the actors improvise in the last scene. In a sense, actors playing the suspects are also unaware of the ending and follow clues given by the host. It is challenging for them but fun."

An unusual children's production, Clue will be an engaging musical too, a technique Shukla vouches for. She believes that, "Live music changes the mood of any play, instantly. It elevates the play and engages the audience even more." Most of her productions for children have been musicals and thus, Clue optimises her cast, which includes a band member and a DJ. She promises that the visuals will be a rewarding experience as the stage is designed just like a board game!