Lucknow: The acclaimed theatrical production The Lesson, based on the celebrated absurdist play by renowned playwright Eugène Ionesco, was staged at the International Buddhist Research Institute, Gomti Nagar, as part of a three-day cultural programme organized by Shraddha Manav Seva Kalyan Samiti, Lucknow. The event was held with financial support from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, under its approved cultural promotion initiative.
The performance was presented by Akanksha Theatre Arts, Lucknow, and drew an enthusiastic audience of theatre enthusiasts, artists, and cultural patrons. The Hindi adaptation of the original play was translated by Shraddha Bose and directed by noted theatre director Tushar Bajpai.
The evening commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting and inauguration by distinguished guests Dr. Anil Rastogi, Dr. Sanjay Mehrotra, and Dr. Chandana Mehrotra. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rastogi extended his best wishes to the cast and creative team for their artistic efforts.
A Powerful Exploration of Authority and Absurdity
The Lesson is a one-act play revolving around three characters—a professor, a young student, and a maid. The story begins with an enthusiastic 18-year-old student arriving at the professor’s home to prepare for her doctoral examination. Initially, the professor appears polite and composed, while the student displays confidence and eagerness to learn.
As the lesson progresses, the professor introduces increasingly complex mathematical and linguistic concepts. His explanations gradually become irrational and incomprehensible, creating confusion and tension. The student begins to struggle, both mentally and physically, eventually experiencing exhaustion and distress.
The narrative takes a darker turn as the professor’s demeanor becomes aggressive and intimidating. Despite repeated attempts by the maid to intervene, the situation spirals out of control, culminating in a shocking and tragic conclusion. The play ends with the arrival of another student, hinting at a disturbing cycle of repetition and abuse of authority.
Strong Performances and Technical Excellence
The production featured Keshav Pandit in the role of the Professor, Mridula Bhardwaj as the Maid, and Minni Dixit as the Student. All three artists delivered compelling performances, effectively capturing the psychological depth and emotional intensity of their characters.
The production’s visual and technical elements further enhanced the dramatic impact. Set design was conceptualized by Tushar Bajpai, while Ram Prakash oversaw set construction. Lighting design was handled by Vikas Dubey, music direction by Ankur Saxena, and stage management by Ahmed Raza Khan. The programme was compered by Prabhat Kumar Bose of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The production was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with Shraddha Manav Seva Kalyan Samiti, and presented by Akanksha Theatre Arts, Lucknow.
The evening concluded with widespread appreciation from the audience, who praised the play’s thought-provoking narrative, powerful performances, and artistic execution. The staging successfully highlighted the timeless relevance of Ionesco’s work and left a lasting impression on theatre lovers in the city.
