Playing It Right

This is not the time to beat around the bush,but to be bold and direct in disseminating information,” says GS Channi,reflecting on the philosophy of Centre for Learning and Voluntary Action’s (CEVA) new street play Rocket Ho Ya Bomb,Pehno Condom. “The aim of the production is to spread awareness about AIDS,in a language and setting that the masses can identify with,” explains Channi,who stages the play every Friday at Sector 17 Plaza.

An outcome of a community theatre workshop themed on sex education,HIV/AIDS and use of condom,Rocket Ho Ya Bomb was conceived over a series of discussions,where the participants contributed to its script,choreography and music,among others. “We realised that we have to be open,bold and direct in terms of dialogue and scene construction. There was some apprehension,as some scenes were explicit and we wondered if it would be accepted,but the response of the audience has been very mature,’’ says Channi. Using colloquial language,props from everyday and Bollywood songs like Hum tum ek kamre mein band ho,Sarka le khatiya and Dabang,the production communicates the fact that condoms are the only prophylaxis we have to check transmission of sexually transmitted infection. Vijay Kumar,uses both film and live music to talk about the more than 30 lakh AIDS victims in India. “There is no cure for AIDS. Awareness and information are the only way to check this rising epidemic,” says Channi.