Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 12 Jan: ‘The Proposal’ was staged in the auditorium of the Doon Library and Research Centre, presented by the School of Theatre and Film in collaboration with the Centre. Based on a renowned work by Anton Chekhov, this Hindi comedy play had a duration of approximately 35 minutes.
The School of Theatre and Film presented this theatrical performance before the audience in a highly expressive and engaging manner. The play was directed by Kailash Kandwal. The cast included Kailash Kandwal, Abhishek Dobhal, Aarti Shahi, Pratap Singh, and Nishant Rahi. The stage design was executed by Pratap Singh, while costume coordination was handled by Aarti Shahi.
The School of Theatre and Film is an independent institution of students and teachers dedicated to promoting theatre and film. The institution has begun this year with an initiative aimed at reviving theatre in Dehradun. One of the primary objectives of this initiative is to bring audiences back to the theatre and to rekindle interest and enthusiasm for live performances. As part of this campaign, the group is taking its productions to different parts of the city. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to identify performance venues and rehearsal spaces, as well as to connect emerging artists with theatre.
Director Kailash Kandwal stated that one of the key goals of the institution is to provide a common platform to all theatre organisations in Dehradun with the support of senior theatre practitioners, so that the city can once again experience the vibrant theatrical atmosphere it once had. He further emphasised that circumstances have changed significantly over time, and theatre must now also move toward professionalism—something that can only be achieved through collective efforts.
Staged at the auditorium of the Doon Library, this play—written by Anton Chekhov and directed by Kailash Kandwal—is based on events unfolding over the course of a single day. The story revolves around a man who visits his neighbour to propose marriage to her, but repeatedly ends up arguing with her over trivial matters—sometimes over land ownership, at other times over whose dog is superior—leaving the proposal unresolved each time. The young woman’s father, distressed by her advancing age, wants the marriage to take place with the same neighbour, but her volatile temperament continues to disrupt matters. Ultimately, after much conflict and confusion, the proposal is accepted and both agree to marry. Entirely entertainment-driven, the production is a light-hearted romantic comedy.
The performers believe that the growing influence of digital media is causing theatre to steadily lose its audience. Already grappling with financial difficulties, theatre now faces even greater challenges. In such circumstances, directing a production has become particularly demanding. It is no longer sufficient to focus only on dialogue delivery or stage usage; it has become essential to adapt stories to audience preferences and time constraints—without compromising the fundamental essence of theatre. Keeping these considerations in mind, a series of short plays is being initiated, featuring fewer performers and minimal sets.
During this emotionally engaging performance, many theatre lovers, theatre practitioners, young students, and distinguished citizens of the city were present. Among them were puppeteer Ramlal, Himanshu Ahuja, Jai Raj, Devendra Kandpal, Vinod Saklani, Vijay Pahwa, along with Dr Lalta Prasad, Sundar Singh Bisht, and Rakesh Kumar from the Doon Library and Research Centre, among several others.
