Why The Light Catcher Is A Must-Watch For Every Theatre Enthusiast

Image Credits: Bharat Rang Mahotsav/National School Of Drama

As someone from Pune who’s spent a fair share of time living away, returning home is always a mix of highs and lows. Sure, the cons sometimes tip the scale, but there’s one thing that never fails to remind me why Pune feels irreplaceable; the city’s deeply rooted yet unapologetically flamboyant theatre culture. Watching two films a week is second nature for me as a film critic, but on those rare occasions when my schedule and a play align perfectly, the experience is nothing short of magical, a kind of magic that even the best films can rarely recreate. One such unforgettable experience was The Light Catcher, written by the brilliant Niranjan Pedanekar. It’s a play that deserves to be on every theatre lover’s radar and definitely on the list of reviews we’re about to roll out here.

Directed by the incredibly talented Sanket Parkhe, The Light Catcher is a product of sheer dedication and creative brilliance, brought to life by Theatron Entertainment, Pune. Written by the award-winning playwright Niranjan Pedanekar, the play features a powerhouse solo performance by Ritika Shrotri. The soundscapes, crafted by Amogh Inamdar and Sanmeet Waghmare, and the lighting wizardry by Parkhe himself, set the perfect mood for this visual treat.

The Light Catcher: Plot And Essence

At its heart, The Light Catcher is an exploration of art, identity, and the myriad hues of feminine beauty. The story follows Kanika Suman, a dedicated photographer, as she travels the globe with her camera, seeking to capture the essence of womanhood across cultures. However, her journey extends beyond visual beauty; it delves into the complex interplay between art, the artist, and the socio-political dynamics shaping perceptions. As Kanika uncovers the contradictions and challenges of her craft, the play invites audiences to reflect on their own perspectives on beauty and identity. Through its innovative use of light and shadows, The Light Catcher becomes more than a narrative, it is a visual and intellectual odyssey that lingers long after the final curtain.

Everything We Loved About The Light Catcher

Considering the premise of The Light Catcher, it’s safe to say all the weight rested on Ritika Shrotri’s shoulders and she didn’t just carry it; she soared. Her performance was not only breathtaking but gave me moments that sent shivers down my spine. Theatre has always been a love of mine, yet I’ve never quite grasped how a performer can seamlessly bring multiple characters to life with such finesse. Watching Ritika do just that made me sit back in awe and reflect on the sheer artistry of it all. Her impeccable command over language, coupled with tonal shifts that brought distinct personalities to each character, deserves a standing ovation. A one-act play that takes you through different lives, places, times, and eras, The Light Catcher breaks boundaries you wouldn’t think possible.

The play dives into profound and weighty themes, offering a depth that films often fail to reach. It explores beauty, femininity, freedom, individuality, and the constantly evolving perceptions of what is deemed beautiful. As someone who thrives on stories, The Light Catcher felt like an ode to storytellers and story-seekers alike. Each character was so thoughtfully written that, despite knowing only fragments of their lives, you feel an undeniable connection with them.

Of course, a play isn’t just its performance—it’s the collaborative magic of set design, sound, lighting, and backstage precision. With a name like The Light Catcher, my expectations for its technical elements were naturally high, and the crew exceeded them in every way imaginable. The lighting, in particular, was masterful, creating moments that felt as alive as the characters themselves. The backstage team’s efforts elevated the play into something truly extraordinary, delivering goosebumps not just through dialogue but through an interplay of shadows, light, and mood. Every department worked in harmony, leaving no room for critique, only admiration for how they pulled it off with such brilliance.

Without giving too much away, Ritika’s ability to switch seamlessly between characters left me spellbound, and the beautifully crafted characters lingered in my mind long after the curtains closed. I couldn’t help but wonder—if these characters weren’t fiction, where would they be today?