From Page to Proscenium: The Madras Players Adapt Hema Sukumar’s Chennai Portrait

Nikhila Kesavan’s latest theatrical venture breathes life into the tenants of a changing city through an adaptation of Hema Sukumar’s acclaimed novel.

The mundane rhythm of life at a Chennai apartment complex is rarely the stuff of high drama, yet it is exactly here—amidst the quiet heartbreak of a new tenant and the anxious wait of a mother—that Hema Sukumar grounds her 2023 novel, Minor Disturbances At Grand Life Apartments. Now, this intimate portrait of community and transition is set to occupy the physical space of the Museum Theatre as The Madras Players prepare to bring the story to the stage.

For director Nikhila Kesavan, the project began with a serendipitous encounter with a podcast featuring Sukumar. While Kesavan has a seasoned track record of adapting literary works—ranging from Jhumpa Lahiri’s A Temporary Matter to Chetan Bhagat’s Five Point Someone—she found something distinct in this particular narrative. The appeal lay in the relatability of the characters’ conflicts, from the societal pressures of the arranged-marriage circuit to the existential dread of looming redevelopment.

Capturing the City’s Pulse

Adapting a novel that relies heavily on internal commentary presents a unique challenge for any theatre practitioner. Kesavan opted for a restrained approach, resisting the urge to rely on heavy-handed monologues or complex staging techniques. Instead, she chose to mirror the book’s inherent rhythm, preserving its short, episodic scenes to maintain a natural flow. The production aims for a minimalistic aesthetic, utilizing a versatile set that shifts seamlessly between the private, distinct lives of the residents.

The cast, a balanced mix of veteran performers and fresh talent including Anu Bhaskararaman, Anuradha Rao, Bhavya Balantrapu, Faheem Moosa, Janaki Srinivasan, Juni Srinivasan, Smrithi Parameswar, and Venkataraghavan, focuses on the conversational nuance of the writing. The objective is clear: to capture the essence of what it means to call a place home in a city that is constantly being rebuilt and reimagined.

Why it matters

The move by The Madras Players to stage contemporary Indian English fiction signals a shift in local theatre sensibilities. By championing local authors, the group is bridging the gap between niche literary circles and the broader public consciousness. In a climate where urban identity in Chennai is increasingly defined by the tension between heritage and rapid real estate development, this play acts as a mirror to the city’s middle-class experience. It elevates the "minor" grievances of apartment living into a broader commentary on how we form connections, deal with loss, and hold onto a sense of belonging when our surroundings are threatened by change.