Opinion

The protagonist of the play is a man who is reeling from various personal hardships. As he opens the newspaper with his morning cup of tea, he is confronted by bad news and the realization that he is partially blind. His depression is compounded by the fact that his daughter has moved away to another city. After attempting to surprise her with a visit, he is met with hostility and rejection.

This leads to bitterness and verbal abuse towards his daughter, although it is unclear whether these events are real or part of a performance titled “Nothing Like Lear”. The play, portrayed by Vinay Pathak, is a solo act that challenges and upsets the audience’s expectations. Pathak incorporates audience participation, both verbal and physical, and offers a politically charged performance without overt political references. He mirrors Shakespeare’s Fool, serving as a reflection of the audience’s hubris, naivete, and follies.

The play delves into the breakdown of personal and political spheres, attributing it to human nature and the interplay of passion and reason. Pathak’s character embodies vulnerability and ruthlessness, confronting the audience with diabolical curses and revealing the controlling nature of a father. The performance has evolved over time, incorporating Shakespearean soliloquies alongside comedic elements to cater to a diverse audience. Pathak’s role as the Fool marries amusement and disgust as he challenges the audience’s willingness to suspend disbelief, drawing parallels between theatrical investment and the act of voting.

The play serves as a contemporary reflection of Shakespeare’s ability to hold a mirror to society and provoke introspection. Pathak’s portrayal of the Fool encapsulates this sentiment, sparking both entertainment and contemplation among the audience.