The Stalemate

English Play

Renu and her brother Karthik, a chess prodigy, have spent years stitching together a fragile peace after escaping the brutality of their father. Silence and survival have become their way of life until news of the man’s sudden death shatters their uneasy balance.

The messenger is Inspector Shashank, whose probing questions dig deeper than they should. What begins as a simple inquiry becomes a psychological duel, as memories claw their way back and secrets long buried rise to the surface. Alongside them are Eklavya, a fiery young boy, caught between loyalty and rage, and Ekanth, a legendary grandmaster whose presence carries the weight of wisdom and finality.

In this game of truth and deception, every move shifts the balance of power. Who’s really in control? Who’s playing whom? And, in the end, who will emerge as the grandmaster?

The play’s world unfolds not only through dialogue but also through movement—Kathak embodies the fluidity and poise of the white pieces, while Kalaripayattu reflects the raw force of the black pieces. Together, they create a visceral stage language where dance, drama and chess unite.

Written and directed by Nikhil Katara
Cast: Tushar Pandey, Sumona Chakravarti, Ajinkya Ovhal, Shaun Williams & Kesav Binoy Kiron
Choreographed by (Kalari): Dipika Pandey
Performers (Kalari): Malavika Thampi, Akash Hattaraki, Rushab Kamdar, Nishashmita, Levaan Shubhankar, Ronit Ashra & Yogesh Kumar
Choreographed by (Kathak): Sugandh Lamba
Performers (Kathak): Parinita Mahendra Pawar, Nidhi Prakash Dedhia, Priya Samarth, Princy Namdeo, Nikita Joshi, Gauri Shinde & Sakshi Bodas

An INT Aditya Birla Centre for Performing Art (INTABCPA) Production.

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