When Geoffrey Chaucer wrote that “love is blind all day, and may not see,” in his collection The Canterbury Tales, he was indicating how falling in love completely skews a person’s judgment, making them oblivious to reality, red flags, or obvious flaws. Some real-life events often make it hard to argue with his point.
Audiences might be even more convinced by Chaucer after they watch Jolene, a play being staged at the Kausi Theatre.
Directed by Rishav and co-written with Buddhi Pokharel, the play centres on an extramarital affair between Madhav (Anoj Pandey) and Jolene (Tara), while Madhav remains married to Meera (Meera Khadka).
Meera is a housewife convinced she is pregnant, constantly talking with her unborn child. She desperately loves Madhav, regardless of the time and effort Madhav gives to her.
The way Madhav talks to Jolene and shares everything with her reveals that he is more emotionally committed to Jolene than to Meera.
When Meera finds out about Madhav’s affair with Jolene, an unexpected incident occurs, which creates a conflict in the play. The thriller begins afterwards. The play incorporates thriller elements in a unique style, going beyond dark music and a suspicious tone. To investigate the unexpected incident, a group of four police officers is deployed. Their investigation unfolds in a deliberately theatrical and unconventional manner rather than through a realistic police procedural.
Rather than relying on dialogue, the officers investigate through a musical number that cleverly outlines the crime’s motive and method. The way they sing the song for several minutes, as a part of the investigation, deserves appreciation because when it comes to singing a song, it is not only about remembering the lyrics, but also maintaining a melody that should be performed with the right timing.
The standout element of this play is its music, which includes both live and recorded tracks. The audience can enjoy music ranging from slow ballads and rap to hard rock. These stellar performances showcase the raw talent of Vitamin Sex, the live band featured in the show.
In one striking scene, the guitarist steps onto the stage, plays a distorted heavy riff, and headbangs, making the audience feel like they are attending a metal gig.
The acting overall is commendable, with every character maintaining impressive consistency in their dialogue and expressions. In particular, Anoj Pandey and Tara prove their versatility. Featured together in May’s Lucifer Rising as aggressive, loud junkies, they take a complete turn in Jolene with calm and serious performances. However, from the third row from the back, Madhav’s voice projection occasionally felt weak, making some of his lines difficult to hear.
The play has a decent setting featuring an apartment with a bedroom, kitchen and a living room. Most of the incidents occur in the living room. They have cleverly made the same setting as a different apartment, one belonging to Madhav and Meera and another of Jolene.
As the play approaches its conclusion, a cage appears in Madhav and Meera’s bedroom with Madhav inside, turning the space into a prison. This visual symbol shows how overcomplicating life can make someone a prisoner of their own choices. It also highlights how unresolved mistakes and ignored problems eventually invite karmic consequences.
Despite its many ups and downs, the play leaves key questions unanswered: Why couldn’t Madhav confess his affair to free Meera? And why do both women continue to love him despite his disloyalty? These unanswered questions may frustrate some viewers. Then again, the artists perform a song that says, Maya Ma Kasko K Kabu, suggesting that once you fall in love with someone, it is hard to stop. This makes Chaucer’s saying, “Love is blind all day, and may not see,” particularly relevant.
Jolene will run through August 14 every day (except Tuesdays) at Kausi Theatre, Teku, at 5:15 pm. There will be an additional show on Saturdays at 1 pm.
