Four women, four different times: A play that revolves around questions of truth, freedom & justice

Hard Times

Something Like Truth revolves around four women living in different times of the world. It is a monologue-based play that revolves around questions of truth, freedom and justice. The plot spans 19th-century France, early 2000s India, and post-war Sri Lanka and is a fictional interpretation of familiar events. The play invites audiences to reflect on truth, freedom and justice in the present, ideologically-complicated times. “The play is a blend of text, movement and live music,” says Pethe. After 25 shows in Maharashtra, the play travelled outside for the first time in October 2025, to the Ranga Shankara Festival.

Now, all theatre festivals want to have Something Like Truth in their schedule. In 2026, the voices of four women from Pethe’s directorial debut will be heard across India. January will begin with Something Like Truth being performed at the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the biggest theatre festival in Asia, the Minerva Theatre Festival, Kolkata, which is supported by the West Bengal government, the BLR Hubba, Bengaluru, and the cutting-edge International Theatre Festival Of Kerala. Adishakti in Puducherry will also be hosting the play.

Being Brave

Kalyanee Mulay, a star of many layered performances, plays a journalist. “The monologues stirred something deep inside me. I am interested in enquiring about whatever has happened in history or mythology and try to find the relevance. This is good. It enriches you, gives a sense of purpose and belonging in society. But, there are very few people who are writing in such a way that shows a mirror to society. Shanta tai has been a journalist and, in this play, my journalist character is trying to figure out what to do with her job when it begins to clash with her values,” says Mulay.

Across the stellar cast, one hears about the need for courage. “Speaking about truth needs courage. Our play has given me that opportunity by building this well-designed production and the festival run has given us the platform to showcase it to all the theatre makers and lovers,” says performer Ashwini Giri.

Sharvari Deshpande adds that Something Like Truth was “an answer to my prayers about wanting to do the work that matters”. “If this show moves the audience, it’s not only due to the creative genius of the artistes involved, but also their profound ability to foster honest and meaningful connections. This show taught me that and I am grateful,” she says. Dusha, a performer, says that she said yes immediately when Pethe reached out to her. “The entire experience has been everything you’d want from a modern production: a collaborative, empathetic team where everyone brings their best. It genuinely feels like a privilege to be part of this ensemble,” she says.