Read Between the Lines
Play Review

Read Between the Lines, a play written and directed by Suhasini Mairathnam, was staged in Hyderabad this week. What stood out, apart from Suhasini’s excellent performance as Radha, was the plot and interplay of colloquial Telugu, Indian English and American English.

The story revolved around a mother-daughter duo and their letters to each other; Radha in the US, and her mother Shantamma in Hyderabad. The plot was interesting enough. Shantamma’s letters portrayed the essence of a middle class south Indian home, and the nitty-gritty’s of a widow’s solitary life very well. The flash back clippings were well made and blended into the live performance. Shantamma’s letters to Radha kept the audience in humorous raptures. The surprise package of the play was Suhasini rendering a song melodiously, though the sudden bursts of dancing did tend to be a bit of a distraction. Details of Radha’s unhappy marriage are realistically expressed in small doses to a mother living miles away. Shantamma’s helplessness comes across wonderfully. The bachelor neighbor’s entry and exit into the lives of the mother-daughter duo is interesting and adds a twist to the plot.

Significantly, you have to read between the lines towards the climax as an unexpected and dramatic turn of events unfolds.

Suhasini’s performance – a blend of childish energy and maturity came across beautifully; considering this is her first theater performance. Ali Baig’s performance as Shantamma’s bachelor neighbor was satisfactory. Shantamma’s role was a miniscule one. The entire cast (just 3 people) played out the scenes well.

The light and sound at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan was average and tried unsuccessfully to portray the quiet solitude of an Indian household in America. The lighting however did set the mood of a sometimes gloomy evening peppered with bright childhood memories. The costumes were not great. The audience seemed very familiar with Suhasini, and the play itself was marketed solely in her name. She made no qualms admitting that this was an amateurish play. Having said that, overall, it was an enjoyable experience.

My Paintings

These works are about 8 years old. Recent one yet to be photogarphed (been lazy). Will put them up soon.





The woodecutter - Oil on canvas





































Trees in Autumn - Oil Pastels






















Still-Life - Watercolors





















Girl at the Village Fair - Oil on canvas













Eternal Wait - Oil on Canvas

Canvas, Paints and Turpentine

The white stretched canvas with its almost invisible, but visible texture looks inviting.

I run my hands across the canvas and close my eyes. Close my eyes to see what is not yet there on the canvas; but will be there soon. In a couple of weeks.

I love the smell of oil paints, linseed oil and turpentine. The whole room smells heavenly. Armed with a couple of brushes, visions and thoughts, I’m lost in these intoxicating smells, thick textures and colors.

The canvas is half empty. Or is it half full?

The oil paint smell is lingering on my hands long after washing them. And I love it.