Penned by Alicia John, Member DelTech MUN & DebSoc
The Letter
To
The Producer,
Central Secretariat,
New Delhi, Delhi 110011
I hope this letter finds you well. I have attached the draft of my review for your play below covering all the points we agreed upon, along with my bank details. Please let me know if you see the requirement of any changes.
Thank You
Enclosed:
‘The Electoral Debacle’I am well aware of my reputation as ‘The Boogie Man of Bombay’, which is why I tend to scour the room for the reactions of fellow audience members. However, I was taken by surprise at the mixed reactions received by the play ‘The Election’. The cast was pelted simultaneously by roses and rotten tomatoes, there were shouts of anger amongst handkerchiefs soaked with joyful tears. I for one did not understand the indecisiveness of the watchers. For the first time in my thirty years as a critic, I must admit that I have no qualms with this production. The direction was immaculate, the actors made my jaw drop. Whether it be the protagonist’s heroic efforts to quell the violent, unnecessary riots of the ungrateful farmers, or the blocking ‘Hindutva Watch’ X account that claimed to document hate crimes but was merely a tool to create national unrest, I was captivated by every syllable and movement on stage.Act II touched upon how social media is notorious for being a cesspool for baseless rumours and speculations. It showed how the self proclaimed social justice warriors love to proclaim they are fighting for the people and how only a fool would believe this front they portray. One hundred and seventy seven social media accounts spewing propaganda about the farmer’s marches were temporarily blocked to maintain law and order in the country by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Act III was more focused on the North East. The minor ethnic tussles in Manipur and the wise decision made by the protagonists to cut off internet access for a mere 100 days to ease the minds of citizens. It is saddening to see how many journalists have resorted to deception for a quick cash grab. The level these people are willing to stoop to to defame our leaders, who have done nothing but work tirelessly for the progress of the nation, is truly diabolical, and I am glad someone was finally brave enough to take action.
I am aware that this review will shock or even confuse avid readers of mine, so I must take it upon myself to dispel misinformation fed to you by the noise blasted by the trendy critics of the so-called ‘new millennium’.
“””Avani Dias had it coming. She was hell bent on spreading her “honest reporting” despite not knowing the cultural and national significance of this play. Well in that case, I too can “honestly report” that the Indian theatre circle has no room for the misguided views of a foreigner. The same can be said about Vanessa Dougnac
Not to mention the over-the-top complaints from frustrated convicts who blame their incarceration, legal disputes, brawls and suppression of hate speech on the producers’ “monopoly over the industry”. Dear reader, I implore you to see that the message and morals of this play cannot be grasped by individuals of such devious nature, proving further that the apparent controversy surrounding the production is complete hogwash. ”””It is easy for the begrudged to scream accusations at their slightest inconvenience, I am aware that my readers expect nothing but the truth, and I am here to deliver it to you. This play is worth your while, And I implore you to keep an eye out for more productions from this house.
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