Anika Mahin, the daughter of actors S M Solaiman and Rokeya Rafique Baby, and an active member of Theatre Art Unit, has come up with her second play as a writer. The play – Marshakam (Masochism), is a political satire which was staged recently. As a playwright, Mahin followed her father's footsteps while writing Marshakam, who was renowned for writing political satires. The play was directed by her mother.
We caught up with the young playwright to know her better.
What was it like growing up in a culture-oriented family?
I feel fortunate to be born in this family. I have seen various types of cultural activities on our roof-top since early childhood. I would say, I literally spent my childhood in rehearsal rooms. When my father was around with us, he had organised various types of cultural programmes very often in the house.
This is your second play. Was there any particular thing that provoked you to write the play?
Actually, it's the first play I wrote, but it was the second one to be staged. The play's main theme is the current role of imperialism in world politics, and it depicts how the influential countries are dominating the weaker ones.
Who encouraged you most to write?
My parents.
How do you prepare yourself before writing a play?
To begin with, I adapt an idea before writing a play. Afterwards, I convince myself with the idea and then start writing. While writing I like to experiment with various perspectives. Sometimes, the plot changes as I proceed with it.
Since Marshakam is a political satire, did you feel any pressure after its premiere?
It's a three-act play. The story-line is based on the foreign policy of the most powerful country in the current political scene of the world, which is interconnected with our local politics. The powerful countries have been controlled since decades without revolution or protests. Rather, the protest is under way and it will be continued in the future. But the conspiracy theory of this policy devours all discourses of the revolution. Till now, I did not face any political pressure for writing this. Everybody encouraged me for writing so far.
What is your impression with the play's staging?
Spectators liked the play for various aspects of political issues, which the actors represented exactly how I wanted to portray through their performances.
How do you feel about your mother directing the play?
It seems usual although my mother directed it. I would feel the same if it was directed by other directors.
What are your future plans?
I want to write, and I am a member of the Theatre Art Unit, which is enough for me.