Dark lord returns

After producing Antigone and Oedipus multiple times, this time round Mohan Maharishi is back with the classic Othello

A scene from Othello

There is a tendency in me to return again and again to the classic plays of theatre. How can one meeting ever be enough to know a great character?” asks theatre veteran Mohan Maharishi. After producing Antigone and Oedipus multiple times, and acting and producing Andha Yug thrice, Maharishi is revisiting Othello, one of William Shakespeare’s prominent tragedies that he had adapted for the stage nine years ago. His new production will be staged at Abhimanch from April 7 to 14.
The grim mood of the play sets in even before the lights dim — audience members sit on platforms on the stage (“not in the comfort of the chairs in the auditorium”) in an eye to eye contact with the actors. Suspension of disbelief becomes an active process as actors in rough costumes and swords begin to enact the story of Othello, the moor of Venice, who is in love with the beautiful Desdemona. Nothing will stand in the way of their love, not the least his ugliness and her father’s displeasure. Othello, however, is also the story of Iago, the iconic false friend, whose hatred and lust for revenge destroys all he turns against, especially Othello. “When Iago talks about human body being a garden in which we can sow nettles or lettuce, he is making a very powerful point about our will to be good or evil,” says Maharishi.
The barely embellished stage is stripped further as the two-hour-long play progresses. When the wings are removed, for instance, the audience is exposed to the mechanism of pulleys, wires and lights backstage. “I like to include the audience in the truth of a play; there should be no illusion,” says the director.
Unlike the earlier star cast of professional actors, Maharishi is now working with a crew of greenhorns. The second year students of the National School of Drama (NSD) have not yet lost their amateur mannerisms, and their Hindi dialogues are laced with regional accents. All this, strangely, adds an extra layer to the production -— vulnerability is the first victim in a story of jealous rage, racism, revenge, murder and the darkest human emotions.

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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