In Bengaluru, a new theatrical production is tackling the timeless theme of the generation gap, but with a fresh, humorous twist. Theatre artiste Shilpa Bansal, in collaboration with Theatre for Change, has launched a play titled 'Kaapiz, Crypto and Chaos'. The play aims to explore the often messy and hilarious ways different generations attempt to understand each other's worlds, moving away from judgment to focus on connection.
Connection, Not Correction: The Heart of the Play
Shilpa Bansal expresses a clear vision for her work. She is tired of the phrase 'generation gap' being treated as an insurmountable divide. Her play seeks to explore what this gap means in daily life without moralising. "The story is about connection and not correction," she emphasises. The narrative contrasts the experiences of seniors, who reminisce about love letters and the anticipation of postal communication, with youngsters who navigate relationships through emojis, dating apps, and instant breakups on platforms like Snapchat.
The objective is never to declare one side right or wrong. Instead, the beauty lies in depicting how both sides strive to reach out from their own vantage points. This genuine attempt at understanding, according to Shilpa, is where real connection is forged.
Relatability Through Everyday Absurdities
For Shilpa, authenticity in storytelling comes from the small, shared moments of family life. She believes that adding everyday elements makes a story instantly relatable to the audience. "Every scene is pulled from the absurd, funny, frustrating things that happen in all our homes," she states.
The play is filled with recognisable scenarios:
- Grandparents being amazed by 10-minute delivery services.
- The universal struggle of explaining the meaning of the laughing or skull emoji to parents.
- The emotional and very real vulnerability of seniors falling prey to digital scams.
By rooting the play's emotional pivot in the fear and confusion older generations can feel in the cyber world, Shilpa aims to build empathy through honest portrayal.
Humour as a Vehicle for Hard Truths
Shilpa Bansal sees humour as a powerful tool to engage a wider audience and discuss serious topics without being overwhelming. She notes that people often come to the theatre carrying stress from various aspects of life. "My job is not to add to that weight but to make them feel lighter," she shares.
Her approach is strategic: presenting emotionally heavy realities in a serious manner can cause audiences to shut down. However, wrapping the same truth in humour allows people to absorb it willingly. The idea is that one can reflect on important aspects of their own life while smiling, which underscores the transformative power of comedy.
By blending nostalgia with contemporary chaos, 'Kaapiz, Crypto and Chaos' promises a thoughtful yet entertaining look at the bridges and gaps between generations in today's fast-paced, digital India.
