Why theatre artiste Dhanendra Kawade's show Hil Mil Kar is a must-see

This particular Panchatantra tale is about how a crow, rat and deer and pigeon are friends, something they call Mitra Sampapti," says Dhanendra Kawade, writer, director and actor of Hil Mil Kar. "Basically, the premise is around the misconception that people should only make friends with their kind of people. It's about how when one makes friends with differently-abled people than themselves, and how we manage to help each other along."

Kawade is a well-known a performer, comedian, Chhou dancer, art designer and lighting designer, who has been a part of the theatre industry for over 25 years. The show, along with telling the moralistic tale, is also a showcase of sound and music, and structures itself around instruments that form an integral part of the story telling. "So when the rat is walking, we have these light bells ringing, or when the tortoise comes by, a deep bell takes its way. So the music sort of creates the mood." Kawade usually is a one-man show, except the times he is joined by actress Kiran Paveskar. The artiste incorporates traditional instruments like the percussion, Bagal Baccha, as well as DIY ones, like plastic bottle caps that have now become bells.

Kawade also is clear to point out that he isn't necessarily giving out a message. The show is an interactive one that takes the mood and decision-making skills of the audience into consideration. "So if the friend gang in the play reaches a point where there is a turning point, we ask the audience, what would they do? So the play is completely open to interpretation." And the audiences seem to like the challenge. Kawade says that reactions are usually starkly different and mixed. "Some like the way the instruments are used, while some found the story helpful to them in some way. In the end, an individual will take away what he has to. I would just say, come with love, and take away love."

When: March 11, 6.30 pm
Where: Harkat Studios, Bungalow No. 75, JP Road, Aram Nagar Part 2, Machlimar, Versova
Cost: Rs 250
Log on to: bookmyshow.com

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