Parsi Humour and plays

 I have just returned from a play called Taj Khallu Pigeon Savak by Sillypoint productions a play on the Parsis created to entertain the Parsis on the occasion of Jamshedi Navroze festival. The venue was the iconic NCPA center at Nariman point. The directors script writers and most of the actors were Parsi talent nurtures from the past alumni of the Holiday Program for Youth (HPY) which has played a role in encouraging young Parsis to pursue their dreams. 

As a secular Indian, I have been an atypical Bawa but the culture of Parsipanu, baugs, good humour and self deprecatory stuff makes the community a unique lovable breed. Underpinning this fun and humour is the stark reality of extinction and numbers that is staring it in the face. Yet, what inspired me yesterday was the spirit and resilience of Parsis who came to laugh at themselves, motivated and dressed with enough style and charm to listen to the old cliched humour. So many old and a reasonable number of youngsters came to see this play. 

While over the top slapstick comedy and loud acting was to be expected and we got a dose of the same, Meherzad Patel successfully drew attention to the leadership crisis, low population and youth unrest through his lovable characters. The old game of Taj Khallu Pigeon Savak Kemodo and Bhamodo (a kind of childish game of elimination to pass time probably invented when there were no gaming apps) was adequately explained to the small proportion of the audience who were not familiar with it. 

The acting was top class as usual and so were the production values. The jokes were well acted and the hallmark of comedy in terms of timing and pauses was near perfect. However, it finally it all boils down to a deja vous feeling. The BPP trustees were the butt of the usual jokes and the puns on paav etc. and the extra marital affairs along with Parsi Marathi and the challenges to use mobile technology by the oldies were all featured. However, for how long will the community survive with this escapism. The two hours of fun may give some of us a good night's sleep but it left nothing memorable to cherish. No real take home message. Can Meherzad and his team do something to shake the community out of its stupor and advocate reform. Gender parity, opening up the religion for conversion, propagating the true message of the Gathas, talking about bringing in respect for environment and respect for animals are the issues worth addressing through humour and if need be even serious plays. 

There is much to admire in Parsipanu and love for food drink and merriment but time is running out and the community faces extinction if we do not see the reflection in the mirror on the wall. 

Enjoy we must, but introspection is of equal importance. The community still has lot of talent and wisdom but it is not being channelized for the right purpose.  

Vispi Jokhi