17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet the macabre family of Manali, Ibsen-style
Lucknow: Love, loss and haunting legacy were brought to theatrical life as the play "Makan Number 7 Manali", directed by Subhadip Raha, was staged at the Sangeet Natak Academy on Monday.
The play was an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's "John Gabriel Borkman" and captured the journey of an unconventional family wading its way through difficult relationships and the relentless waves of life.
Set in 1996 Manali, the psychological thriller revolves around Vikram, a once-successful businessman who now lives in isolation on the upper floor of his Manali home after his chit fund company became embroiled in financial scandal.
His estranged wife Chandra lives downstairs and blames him for shattering their family. Isha, Vikram's former lover and Chandra's sister, is terminally ill and wishes for Raj–her son with Vikram–to stay with her.
Raj is caught in the emotional crossfire, seeking his own identity amid the family turmoil.
On both days, the stage was home to impactful dialogues, stellar acting, fitting set design and music, and expressive dance sequences that added to the emotional depth. The play balanced the thematic intensity with moments of comic relief, keeping the riveted audience on the edge of their seats.
