This weekend promises to be a remarkable one for theatre enthusiasts in Bengaluru, as MISF!T (My Interest Stays Firmly in Theatre) gears up to premiere its latest production, Trident!ty. Directed by the seasoned theatre practitioners Venkatesan Vaidhyanathan and Vishal Nayer, Trident!ty is not just another play—it is a trilogy that promises a rich multi-genre experience. Speaking from Koramangala amidst intense rehearsals, Venkatesan elaborated on the production during a recent call.
Set across three distinct timelines—the 1940s, the 1980s, and 2010—Trident!ty stitches together diverse narratives through a single thematic thread. “The first story is a period comedy, the second is a tragicomedy, and the third is a black comedy,” Venkatesan pointed out. By exploring different genres within a single performance, the play aims to offer audiences a variety of emotional landscapes and storytelling techniques.
Venkatesan’s passion for theatre dates back to his school days, a sentiment echoed by his co-director Vishal, who is equally committed to the craft. Both have collaborated extensively with the late Ratan Thakore Grant for nearly 18 years, and this production stands as a tribute to their mentor.
Grant, a prominent figure in the theatre world, was known for his multifaceted talent as an actor, choreographer, writer, director, and teacher. His vision that anyone can act given proper guidance led to the inception of MISF!T in 2001. Since then, the studio has carved a niche for itself by staging original plays. “Ratan believed strongly in creating original content inspired by our rich and diverse cultural heritage,” Venkatesan said, shedding light on the unique selling proposition of MISF!T. “Over time, he taught thousands through his acting workshops and staged numerous original plays.”
Following Grant’s untimely demise, his students, including Venkatesan and Vishal, have taken up the mantle of managing the studio. The team is an eclectic mix of talent, ranging in age from 16 to 62 years. “We all contribute to storytelling, scripting, and directing.
. This inclusive approach adds depth and variety to our productions,” Venkatesan explained.
The first segment of Trident!ty delves into the life of a young girl whose destiny is dramatically reshaped during the Partition of India. This period comedy promises to invoke both laughter and reflection on a tumultuous historical era. The second story, a tragicomedy, focuses on the turbulent relationship between a couple, bringing to light the anxieties of the era—patriarchy, regressive thoughts, and identity crises. Lastly, the play transitions to a black comedy set in a modern office space, zooming in on office politics, power struggles, and the societal pressures that influence careers and personal lives.
Before Trident!ty, MISF!T staged Connectologues V3.0, another original concept created by Ratan. “It was an interesting format that resonated well with our audience,” Venkatesan noted. Trident!ty, however, seeks to push the envelope even further.
The ensemble cast for Trident!ty includes Sumeet Sirohi, Raupya Viraktamath, Ujani Ghosh, Adarsh Shree Ram, Abhinav Singh Aakash, Tapas Agarwal, Eve, Akhil Parameswaran, Yash Agarwal, Ashish Verma, Kshema Shetty, Manjunath Gowda, Hrishita Brahma, Kavya K Subramanya, Gomathi Raveendran, and Nazar Abul Hassain. “We are a team of 16 working professionals, so our rehearsals mostly happen in the evenings after our day jobs. We’ve lost our original studio space and now either rent a place or rehearse at one of the member’s homes,” Venkatesan said, shedding light on the logistical challenges involved.
Trident!ty is scheduled to be staged on June 22 at Prabhath KEA Rangamandira Auditorium, with two shows at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Tickets are available on BookMyShow, and theatre lovers are encouraged to secure their seats for what promises to be an unforgettable experience.
With its unique multi-genre format and compelling narratives, Trident!ty stands as a testament to the endless possibilities that theatre holds. By bringing together historical perspectives, societal issues, and modern workplace dynamics, MISF!T’s latest production is set to captivate Bengaluru’s theatre community. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the magic of original storytelling!
