Play Review | Adha Adha (Half Half)

Adha Adha (Half Half) 

Language: Odia
Writer-Director: Dinesh Das
Group: C-4
First Performance: 1 May, 2016
Place: Dhenkanal, Odisha 

Written and directed by Dinesh Das the play portrays the life of transgenders. I have not seen a play in Odia on this subject before. The presentation and acting was high class. Das Dinesh in the lead role was outstanding. 
The play tried to put forth the plight of transgenders, who are neither male nor female. Caught with a different mind in different body they find themselves in a strange situation. Socially ostracized, ridiculed and more often than not exploited- the transgenders lead a miserable life. Gradually they are pushed to live in a ghetto- both physically and mentally.  Many of them resort to begging, and often indulge in petty crimes. Some of them also walk the nights- further deteriorating their image and status in the society. 

This play attempts a sympathetic view into their lives. It highlights their aspiration and need for a dignified life as a human being. It subtly touches on the changing perception from the legal perspective thanks to the landmark Supreme Court judgment and also of the society.
This play is a must watch for its unique subject, presentation and acting including some by the transgender actors. Hope it is staged elsewhere in the country and in different languages.

2.5.2016