5 Terrific Indian Plays about Mothers

In the vast landscape of Indian plays, where narratives intertwine with culture, tradition, and societal norms, there exist stories that illuminate the profound role of mothers.

Indian playwrights have woven intricate tales that traverse the spectrum of maternal experiences.

These narratives, ranging from heartwarming depictions of familial bonds to poignant explorations of maternal sacrifice, mirror the importance of mothers in society.

The essence of these plays lies not merely in their storytelling prowess but in their ability to capture the universal truths that define the maternal journey. 

In this exploration, we shall delve into a collection of Indian plays that command attention.

Mummy’s Dead, Long Live Mummy!

Presented by Ira Dubey and the Lila Naatak Company, Mummy’s Dead, Long Live Mummy! offers a poignant exploration of the relentless journey of motherhood through the lives of four diverse mothers.

From moments of raw exhaustion to hilarious humiliations and fleeting joys, the play captures the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by mothers.

With its blend of humour and heartbreak, this all-women production promises to resonate deeply with audiences.

One of its more profound themes is the timely reflection on the complexities of motherhood in modern society.

Writer and Indian actress, Koël Purie Rinchet, ensures the narrative’s relevance to Indian audiences, making it a compelling and relatable theatrical experience.

Baby’s Blues

Directed by Ila Arun and KK Raina, Baby’s Blues delves into the often-overlooked topic of post-partum depression.

It offers a poignant exploration of how the relationship between a husband and wife evolves after the arrival of a baby.

Set in the United States, the play follows Susan and David, an Indian couple whose seemingly perfect life is disrupted when Susan gives birth to a baby girl.

Susan is struggling with the societal pressures of motherhood while caring for her newborn.

This leads her to experience depression and hallucinations, causing her to interact with imaginary characters.

The play delves into Susan’s soliloquies and interactions with figures such as a 19th-century physician and her own alter ego.

It sensitively portrays her struggle to reconcile her identity as a mother with her feelings of inadequacy and confinement.

Baby’s Blues sheds light on the often taboo subject of post-partum depression, offering a moving exploration of the challenges faced by new mothers.

Two Billion Beats

Two Billion Beats tracks Asha (Safiyya Ingar), a sixth-form student, as she delves into the work of Dalit activist B.R. Ambedkar, challenging her mother’s admiration for Mahatma Gandhi.

Amidst school bullying and racism, Asha supports her sister, Bettina (Anoushka Chadha).

Asha’s mother’s perspective, though unseen, remains a powerful influence shaped by racism.

The play delves into how racism distorts perceptions of one’s culture. Mainstream figures like Gandhi become unquestioned symbols of comfort and identity.

Bhattacharyya explores our relationships with heroes and the discomfort of recognising their flaws.

Asha recounts a poignant conversation where her mother, despite being UK-born, felt a sense of not belonging, softened by admiration for Gandhi.

Questioning Gandhi’s politics pierced this heroic image for her.

The play deals with the relationship between racism and Islamophobia as Asha’s experiences at school mirror those of her mother.

Maa Ki Rasoi

Interwoven with cherished family recipes, Pratha Nagpal’s Maa Ki Rasoi, delves into a central question: How does one uphold their mother’s culinary legacy?

The play explores the cultural importance of domesticity in South Asian traditions and the challenges of maintaining immigrant identity.

The story is a tribute from a daughter who fears she won’t match up to her mother’s culinary skills.

Featuring a captivating performance by Madhullikaa Singh, the production offers a tender, humorous, and occasionally rebellious portrayal of the relationship between mother and daughter.

Praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, the play provides audiences with a nuanced glimpse into the shared experiences of daughterhood and maternal love.

Mother in Another Language

In Mother in Another Language,  Karen and Tarak, an American and a Bengali in love face the challenge of blending their cultures and values as they prepare for marriage.

With Karen’s American upbringing and Tarak’s Bengali heritage, the arrival of both mothers-in-law complicates matters further, each bringing their own set of expectations and traditions.

Directed by David Hsieh and Agastya Kohli, the play humorously explores the clash of social and cultural norms, highlighting the misunderstandings and ideological conflicts that arise.

As Karen and Tarak strive to find common ground amidst the chaos, they confront issues of feminism, tradition, and familial expectations.

Angela DiMarco and Bikas Saha deliver compelling performances as the lead couple, portraying their struggles with authenticity and passion.

Alongside them, Meenakshi Rishi and Walayn Sharples bring depth to their roles as mothers-in-law.

As we bid farewell to the captivating narratives and poignant performances of these Indian plays about mothers, we are reminded of the timeless significance of maternal love and sacrifice.

Each play offers a unique lens through which to contemplate the complexities of motherhood.

Through laughter, tears, and moments of profound insight, these Indian plays invite us to reflect on the enduring bonds between mothers and their children.