Theater Review: ‘Chandni Raatein’ Brings Hindustani Classical to St. Petersburg

Rang Mandir, Bandra, Mumbai, February 2, 2025:

Purva Naresh has adapted (and directed) Chandni Raatein into Hindi from Fyodr Dostoevsky’s short story White Lights. This story spans four nights in St. Petersburg, all set at twilight time. Somehow, she has woven in an Indian context – with Hindustani singing – into a Russian tale and has done it seamlessly.

Though this is not meant to be a musical, the play Chandni Raatein is enhanced considerably by the brilliant music composed and arranged by Kaizad Gherda who also plays keyboards in his band with Aishwaria Pagare (mandolin), Joel Lopez (violin), Ram Belbanshi (tabla and dholak) and Arjun Chakraborty (drums).

Apart from the story of the romance and accompanying intrigue, the play is a visual treat for the viewer. The sets and lighting are quite spectacular; the changing hues of the sky at sunset are vivid. The settings of the cafe and the bridge in the background, around which the story evolves, take us deep into the mood and mindset of the characters.

The dynamics on stage of the various actions, the ease of movement of the changing set props and the overall fluidity on stage are handled marvelously by the brilliant Purva Naresh. The split-second perfect timing of the actors as the story unravels, adds to the enjoyment of the show.

The acting is also very much in harmony with the spectacle. Danish Hussain, Girija Oak Godbole, Mantra Mugdh all excel in their roles while the others in the cast, not singled out here, are no less inspired in the parts they play.

The adaptation, with the Indian aspect emphasized in both the story and in song makes for amazing directorial jugglery and elevates the theatrical experience

The live five-piece band adds considerable dimension to the performance. It is music played in exactly the right context to accentuate the storyline.

The Aditya Birla group Aadyam, in its seventh year of producing and presenting theater has to be complimented on their encouragement of quality stage productions.

Actually, Chandni Raatein, in our opinion would adorn even a higher platform of stage in any part of the world.