Andre is a man facing persecution from all sides, and he refuses to take it any longer. First some girl, a “helper” — whom he doesn’t need at all — steals his favourite watch. Then his daughter Anne, a scheming woman who worries too much, tries to take his flat away — the beautiful flat he’s had for over thirty years, in which he is still quite capable of living, thank you very much! His daughter Elise, the one he actually loves… where is she? She never comes to visit. Anne’s husband — or lover — Pierre, with whom she is moving to London — or staying in Paris — threatens Andre with violence if he will not cooperate, and to top it off, strangers keep entering Andre’s flat, telling him that they are his friends and family, telling him that he doesn’t live in his flat anymore. However aged he may be, Andre knows that he is a powerful man, a man of authority, and he will find some way to assert it. After all, he still has all his faculties…. Doesn’t he? The Father is a tragi-comic mystery, a sobering and realistic family story, and an unsentimental, emotionally intense look at the world through the eyes of a man experiencing dementia, a dramatic illustration of the physical losses which occur along with the mental ones.
Translator :
I once heard that the great actor Sir Anthony Hopkins received an Academy Award for his role in the movie The Father. After searching for the film and watching it, I was completely mesmerized. While the acting was magical, it was Florian Zeller’s storytelling that truly stayed with me.
I ordered the book of the play and became totally absorbed in it. The themes of old age, dementia, and the burden placed on the children of those suffering were deeply moving. Realizing this is a universal subject, I felt it was my duty to translate it into Marathi.
Once the translation was complete, Vardhan Kamat of Goa read it. He recommended it to the director Daksha Shirodakar, and under her direction, Vardhan performed in the play. It was eventually staged under the banner of the ‘Mangarish Youth Club, GOA’.
Director :
Daksha Shirodkar is an accomplished Indian theatre artist and actor known for her meaningful contributions to regional theatre and cinema, particularly in Marathi and Konkani. Trained at the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, she brings strong academic grounding and artistic discipline to her work. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to theatre as both an art form and a medium for social and emotional expression.
Daksha Shirodkar has earned recognition as a stage actor and theatre director, with her directorial debut play “Father” receiving awards at reputed theatre festivals such as the Kala Academy Marathi Drama Competition and Houshi Natyaspardha in Maharashtra. These achievements highlight her ability to handle complex themes and present them with sensitivity and clarity on stage.
Beyond theatre, she has appeared in regional films, contributing to Konkani and Marathi cinema through impactful supporting roles. Her transition from stage to screen demonstrates versatility and adaptability as a performer. Daksha is also actively involved in theatre education and workshops, working with students and young artists to nurture confidence, creativity, and self-expression through performance.
Overall, Daksha Shirodkar stands out as a dedicated artist whose work bridges tradition and contemporary expression, enriching Indian regional theatre and cinema with authenticity and depth.
Director’s Note
“Father” came unexpectedly just before finalizing another play. I read it in one go and instinctively chose to work on it. As a director and maker, I believe in my instincts. Choosing the script was not a tough job, but finding a dramatic form to perform this cinematic script was a big challenge. Certain major decisions were taken in the first few rehearsals, and that helped to reach a structure. The play has two timelines: psychological time and real time. The play has a tragic farce genre, which I did not change in my directorial process. The two major locales, one kitchen and another an apartment, gave me the form of playing it in hyperrealism and absurd realism. Like earlier processes, even this time the design came to me first, and slowly the form started to develop. The play plot has lots of twists and turns; it is also a play where dialogues and situations are repeated. The element of repetition is very tricky, but the beauty of this play is repetition, which helps the concept of dementia grow slowly and gradually.Any text that I choose always had a deep personal connection to my conscious or subconscious thoughts, and this play has become a release point to let go of some traumas. I think that’s how creating an art piece works for me and helps me survive. Art is the only way to let go of my traumas.Transforming the space constantly is one directorial element I have been working on recently, and in this play, I have tried to accomplish it.The most important thing is teamwork; getting a bunch of good and supportive actors is a blessing. Understanding the wavelength of my thoughts and implementing them creates an interesting chemistry amongst all four.Last but not least, my wonderful backstage team and technical team, the Manguirish Youth Club, and its members have very energetic supporting team members who stood behind this production as the backbone.The technical team’s impeccable coordination of lights, costumes, music, set design, and set props resulted in a flawless and cohesive production
Group :
Mangirish youth club was formed in 1972 at Mangeshi Mardol Goa.
Club has contributed in the field of art, sports, social activities in last 52 years.
Actively participated in various Drama Competition and won prizes. Staged Drama like Barrister, Chandra Jithe Ugavat Nahi, kaalaay tasamai namaha, rang umaltya manaache, sabhya gruhasth ho, Mazya maatiche gaayan, punha ekada, suvaari, shobha yaatra, remote control,paahuna,Tilak aani Agarkar,Tughlaq,Father,Tirhaayit,Mashalichya Abdharaat etc.
Club also won many Cricket Tournament in Goa. Club carry out following social activities every year Organises Marathon Race for youth.
Organises all goa essay writing competition for school children Provide uniforms and note books for needy students Conduct blood donation and medical camp for villagers.
Club also organises Sangeet Sammellan every year in memory of Late Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, Pandit Jeetendra Abhisheki, Daamjimaam Mangeshkar