Asen Me Nasen Me (translated as “To Be or Not to Be”) is a contemporary Marathi play that delves deep into themes of existence, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. With its poignant narrative and stellar performances, the play has been making waves in the Marathi theatre circuit.
Cast & Crew
- Writer: Sandesh Kulkarni
- Director: Amruta Subhash
- Cast:
- Neena Kulkarni as Deepa, an elderly woman grappling with memory loss
- Shubhangi Gokhale in dual roles as Varsha, Deepa’s incapacitated sister, and the empathetic house help
- Amruta Subhash as Gauri, Deepa’s meticulous, workaholic daughter
- Set & Lighting Design: Pradeep Mule
- Music Composer: Saket Kanitkar
- Costume Designer: Shweta Bapat
- Production: ScriptTease Creations and Rangai
Synopsis
The narrative centers around Deepa, a 75-year-old woman living alone in Pune. As she begins to experience memory loss, her daughter Gauri, who resides in Mumbai, grapples with the challenges of caring for her aging mother while dealing with her own personal struggles. The play poignantly captures their evolving relationship, highlighting the emotional intricacies of familial bonds and the quest for identity amidst life’s uncertainties.
Critical Acclaim
According to a review by Dr. Omkar Bhatkar on Mumbai Theatre Guide, Asen Me Nasen Me is a “tearjerker domestic drama” that, while rooted in traditional Marathi theatre formats, feels “fresh, realistic, relatable, and a necessary reflection of the contemporary Marathi household.” The play sensitively portrays the dynamics of familial relationships, especially focusing on the experiences of women across generations.
The performances have been lauded, with Neena Kulkarni’s portrayal of Deepa capturing the nuances of aging, and Shubhangi Gokhale’s dual roles showcasing her versatility. Amruta Subhash’s directorial debut is noted for its depth and authenticity, bringing forth a narrative that resonates with many.
Upcoming Performances
- Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
- Time: 4:30 PM
- Venue: Tata Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- Language: Marathi
- Age Limit: 6 years and above
- Tickets: Available on BookMyShow
Why You Should Watch
- Stellar Performances: The trio of Neena Kulkarni, Shubhangi Gokhale, and Amruta Subhash deliver powerful performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
- Relatable Themes: The play touches upon universal themes of aging, memory, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.
- Artistic Excellence: With meticulous set design, evocative music, and thoughtful direction, the play offers a rich theatrical experience.
- Critical Acclaim: Praised for its realistic portrayal of contemporary Marathi households and the emotional depth of its characters.
For more updates on Marathi theatre and upcoming performances, stay tuned to the Stage is set! category on PlotWit.com.
