By — Dilip Guha 

The Capital’s Muktadhara Auditorium witnessed an evocative evening of theatre as Articoll Theatre & Pictures staged “Zindagi”, a production inspired by two short stories of Anton Chekhov — Dukh and Nindak — on August 22, 2026.

Directed by theatre director Janani Ray and performed by herself and students of her theatre collective, the production brought together humour, poignancy and reflection, offering audiences a glimpse into the timeless humanism of one of Russia’s most celebrated literary figures.

Chekhov’s Legacy

Anton Chekhov (1860–1904), revered as both a playwright and short-story writer, remains a master of portraying the subtleties of everyday life. His works are marked by irony, compassion, and a keen observation of human contradictions. Rather than relying on grand plots, Chekhov’s genius lay in capturing ordinary people in ordinary situations and revealing profound truths about vulnerability, resilience and the search for meaning.

Zindagi by Chekhov sought to bring this spirit to Indian audiences through the interpretation and performances of young theatre artists.

Articoll Theatre & Pictures — a branch of the All India Centre for Urban & Rural Development (AICURD) — has continued its mission of providing theatre learning and production-oriented training to theatre enthusiasts free of cost, guided by its core philosophy of “Theatre as Therapy.” 

Its theatre education focuses greatly on creative and personality development through theatre exercises and innovative theatre games. The production-oriented training, offered free of cost, culminates in the staging of plays that provide students with a platform to showcase their talent and learning. Zindagi by Chekhov was one such production.

The All India Centre for Urban & Rural Development (AICURD) is an NGO that has consistently worked towards improving the quality of life of marginalised sections of society through community-based programmes focusing on poverty alleviation and socio-economic empowerment, with particular attention to elementary education, health and training for income-generating activities since 1985.

The play brought together two very different yet deeply human stories, exploring the quirks, vulnerabilities, relationships and contradictions that make up everyday life. Through humour, emotion and moments of reflection, the production captured the distinctive humanism of Chekhov’s storytelling while presenting the works through the students’ own theatrical journey.

The staging was not merely a performance but also the culmination of an intensive learning process. For the students, it was an opportunity to translate months of theatre exercises, games, training and rehearsals into a live theatrical experience before an audience.

Through Zindagi by Chekhov, Articoll Theatre & Pictures continued its endeavour to make theatre education accessible, experiential and meaningful, while providing emerging theatre enthusiasts with a platform to learn, perform and grow.

Exploring Dukh and Nindak

The first play, Dukh (Grief), offered a deeply introspective narrative centred around grief and endurance. It explored the quiet strength of an individual confronting loss and the profound human need to find someone willing to listen. The central performance, which was portrayed by Janani Ray (The Director) herself, was restrained yet emotionally charged, capturing the weight of sorrow without slipping into melodrama. The audience responded with rapt attention, followed by heartfelt applause.

In contrast, Nindak (The Slanderer) unfolded as a satirical exploration of vanity, criticism, and human insecurity. With sharp humour, it exposed the contradictions of those who thrive on judging others while often struggling with their own vulnerabilities. The performance drew laughter through comic timing, exaggerated gestures and witty exchanges, while leaving audiences with a lingering sense of self-reflection.

Together, the two plays created a balance of satire and pathos, reflecting Chekhov’s remarkable ability to find both humour and compassion in the complexities of ordinary human life.

Performances and Direction

The ensemble cast of students brought freshness, sincerity and energy to the stage. Their collaborative spirit ensured smooth transitions between the contrasting moods of the two plays. The supporting performers in Nindak added texture and comic energy to the satire, while the ensemble in Dukh created a quiet backdrop that amplified the protagonist’s emotional journey.

Director Janani Ray’s vision brought the two pieces together while allowing the individuality of the young performers to shine. The minimalist staging kept the focus on the actors and the stories, demonstrating that powerful theatre need not depend on elaborate sets when the performances themselves carry the emotional weight of the production.

Speaking on the occasion about the production, the Director Janani Ray said, ‘Zindagi by Chekhov’ is special to me because it portrays the underlying complexities of everyday life that on the surface appear to be normal. We don’t always choose to hide our pain; sometimes we are compelled to do so and suffer in isolation because everyone else is engrossed in their own struggles. No one is spared from it. However, perhaps if we try sharing our pain, if someone finds merely a sympathetic ear when one really needs it, to get the pain off one’s chest, maybe just maybe, things will be better. All it takes is a little empathy, probably even to make the entire world a better place. Kindness and empathy.

Another aspect is the judgmental side of society: why do we judge so much? Why can’t we live and let live? The classic fear of “log kya kahenge” sometimes is precisely how we give people a chance to talk in the first place. The beauty of Chekhov lies in these small yet profoundly significant insights into human complexity and psychology. The layers he unfolds, the subtle undertones beneath seemingly simple situations, are what make Chekhov so intriguing and meaningful.

How timelessly individuals can relate to his characters is uniquely interesting. Simple stories that convey such deep and powerful messages- that is what Chekhov is for me: absolutely beautiful, even in its pain & darkness!


On asking: Any major challenges or hindrances faced while producing the play, she replied, “Theatre is a magical art form. There is a quote by John Steinbeck: “The theatre is the only institution in the world which has been dying for four thousand years and has never succumbed. It requires tough and devoted people to keep it alive.” It makes me sad how such a life-changing art form is struggling to just exist, and that too, this has been the state for so many years now.

“Our real challenge as theatre workers is always funds. I have been teaching theatre for free to everyone willing to learn for about eight years now, always trying hard to create a platform for students to finally showcase their talent in a full-fledged production, but I always struggle to collect enough funds in order to stage a production qualitatively”.

“I have been applying for government grants for the last five years unsuccessfully; it is something that will be immensely helpful to us to keep working towards our cause. It is purely on willpower that we are pushing forward, as had it been for the circumstances, I should have quit long ago”.

“I really wish we could find a systematic way to gather enough funds when it is required, to keep the ball rolling, keep working towards taking the magic of theatre to people, and work in this field without any insecurities regarding our survival.”

“My NGO, All India Centre for Urban & Rural Development (AICURD), has been my only support system for all the years that I have spent pursuing my passion for theatre. Without the support of my AICURD family, my father and my sister, I don’t think I would have come so far. I am forever grateful to them.”

As the dialogue unfolded, she reflected: What message does she wish to impart to today’s youth, She said,“The youth today is curious and driven; these are two very strong qualities to build leaders. In this digital age, I would like them to learn about the beauty and magic of theatre. I feel theatre is a field that probably will never face a major threat from something like AI. Theatre is live; it is the human connection that makes it so effective and relevant. Nurturing your artistic side through theatre can keep one connected to their core because the digital life can get a bit confusing and even a bit misleading sometimes.”

A Resonant Evening

By presenting Chekhov’s stories through the voices of emerging artists, Zindagi by Chekhov reaffirmed the relevance of his humanism in contemporary times. It reminded audiences that theatre can be both an artistic medium and a means of self-discovery.

With laughter, reflection, and empathy, Zindagi by Chekhov left its mark as a cultural evening that celebrated literature, nurtured emerging talent, and carried forward the enduring message of compassion embedded in Chekhov’s works.