Farce and Furious

Comedy About the End of the World promises to be funny with a dark lining

A dark, ramshackle house with a neglected garden is hosting a sinister party, in the play Comedy About the End of the World. In the gathering are an old woman, a reincarnated playwright, a social activist, who has emerged from hiding with a changed name and a man who is pursuing him. Into this setting, well-known Slovenian playwright Evald Flisar introduces discussions about research and commerce, principles and art. The text has been adapted by city-based Yatrik theatre group into an hour-and-a-half-long production that will be staged today at Shri Ram Centre.

Director Avijit Dutt says that he had extensive conversations with the playwright Flisar. “He is one of the celebrated playwrights of Slovenia, which doesn’t matter to most Indians because we hardly know about Slovenia. But, as I read Flisar’s works, I became interested in the opposing realities that meet at the same time and space,” says Dutt. Comedy About the End of the World is a “farce about a farce, within which is a further farce” he says. One character claims to be British playwright Joe Orton, who was murdered in 1967, while another calls himself Majerhold, after the Russian theatre director Vsevolod Emilevich Meyerhold, who died in 1940.

“We are forced to ask what is real, who is genuine and who is undercover. Above all, whether the end of the world is an approaching reality or merely a behind-the-scenes battle between different interest groups — a battle in which revolutionary scientists and exploitative profiteers alike are operating underground,” says Dutt, who also essays the role of Majerhold. Pranay Manchanda is the hot-headed young Joe Orton while the older and intense Oroon Das is the man who is hunting for Majerhold. Vidushi Mehra, at 35, plays the old woman, who owns the ramshackle house and is a nymphomaniac. “In the battle between principled innovators and unscrupulous profiteers, the latter will triumph,” says Dutt.

The play will travel to Slovenia next year as part of a festival being organised by the Slovene government to celebrate the 70th birthday
of Filsar.

The play will be staged at Shri Ram Centre today at 6.30 pm. Tickets available at the venue and Bookmyshow

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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