PATTHAR is a powerful theatrical production by Little Thespian that explores fear, emotional confinement and psychological barriers. Staged alongside Ve Aankhen, the performances delivered a thought-provoking evening of contemporary theatre in Kolkata.
Little Thespian’s thought-provoking production “Patthar” and Santoshpur Anuchintan’s “Ve Aankhen” offered audiences an evening of introspection and social reflection
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | June 13, 2026
PATTHAR is the kind of theatre that lingers long after the curtain falls. Presented by Little Thespian on June 12, 2026, at Anuchintan Art Centre, the production captivated audiences for forty intense minutes, drawing them into a world where fear quietly transforms into a prison of the mind. Through a simple yet striking narrative, the play challenged viewers to confront the barriers they create within themselves and the consequences of allowing fear to dictate life.
Adapted into Hindi by Uma Jhunjhunwala from Ismail Choonara’s acclaimed play The Stone, the production centers on a husband and wife whose ordinary existence is abruptly disrupted by the appearance of an unseen stone blocking the entrance to their home. What initially appears to be a physical obstacle gradually evolves into a symbol of anxiety, social pressure, emotional paralysis and despair. As the couple struggles to make sense of their situation, their world begins to shrink, leaving them trapped not only by circumstance but also by their own perceptions.
At the heart of PATTHAR lies a compelling metaphor that director Dr. Gaurav Das wisely allows to unfold without unnecessary explanation. Rather than dictating a single interpretation, he trusts the audience to engage with the symbolism and discover its many layers. The result is a production that feels simultaneously abstract and deeply relatable. The stage becomes an increasingly restrictive space, mirroring the emotional and psychological confinement experienced by the characters.
The success of the play rests heavily on the performances of Gunjan Azhar and Md. Asif Ansari, both of whom deliver nuanced and restrained portrayals. Gunjan skillfully charts her character’s emotional journey from mild irritation to mounting anxiety and eventual resignation. Asif, meanwhile, balances confidence and vulnerability with remarkable authenticity, revealing a man struggling to maintain control in an increasingly uncertain reality. Their chemistry creates a believable relationship shaped by years of shared experiences, while their moments of silence often speak louder than dialogue.
The production’s technical elements further enhance its impact. Rahul Sardar’s lighting design effectively captures the shifting emotional landscape of the narrative, while Biplab Naskar’s music underscores the growing sense of unease and isolation. Choreography by Samar Mridha and Nayan Sadak contributes subtle visual depth, helping translate the play’s psychological themes into compelling stage movement.
More than a theatrical experience, Patthar serves as a reflection on contemporary life. In an era when many people continue to grapple with anxiety, uncertainty and emotional isolation, the play raises an unsettling question: Are we truly restricted by external circumstances, or have we convinced ourselves that escape is impossible? Its relevance feels particularly striking in a post-pandemic world where invisible fears continue to shape everyday decisions.
Following Patthar, Santoshpur Anuchintan presented Ve Aankhen, a dramatic adaptation inspired by a poem by renowned Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant. While the first production encouraged audiences to examine their inner struggles, this second presentation shifted the focus outward, highlighting social realities and systemic inequalities.
Directed and dramatized by Dr. Gaurav Das, Ve Aankhen paints a poignant portrait of a farmer’s life. The performance explores the relentless labor, emotional connection to the land and ongoing hardships endured by those who sustain society yet remain among its most vulnerable members. Through evocative storytelling, the production sheds light on exploitation, uncertainty and the resilience that defines the agricultural community.
One of the most memorable aspects of the presentation was the use of Dr. Gaurav Das’s own soulful voice as a background musical element. The haunting melodies lent the production a folk-inspired texture, enhancing its emotional depth while preserving the dignity of its central character. Performers Samar Mridha, Nayan Sadak, Meheli Das, Aniket Majumdar, Akulina Mitra, Trisha Das, Partho Paik and Ranjeeta Roy delivered committed performances that brought the narrative to life. Lighting and set design by Biplab Naskar complemented the storytelling with understated effectiveness.
Presenting Patthar and Ve Aankhen together proved to be a thoughtful curatorial decision. One production examined the invisible prisons people create within themselves, while the other exposed the social structures that confine and marginalize others. The contrast between the two works strengthened their individual messages, creating an evening of theatre that was both emotionally engaging and intellectually stimulating.
Together, these productions reaffirmed the power of theatre to provoke thought, spark dialogue and encourage audiences to reconsider the world around them—and within them.
