Rangaai Theatre Company – The Proposal by Anton Chekov

About The Proposal by Anton Chekov

The Proposal has always been one of my favourite plays; its slapstick, over-the-top humour, and cheeky satire never fail to entertain. But more than that, it offers a lighthearted mirror to the way we often let pride, ego, or meaningless arguments get in the way of something simple and beautiful.

Our version takes this classic Russian one-act comedy by Anton Chekhov and gives it a full desi twist. We’ve adapted the script into Hindi-Urdu and placed it right in the middle of a North Indian sangeet celebration. The result is a high-energy, interactive, and immersive experience that feels less like a play and more like attending the most chaotic and fun wedding of the season.

As an immersive theatre company, Rangaai Theatre has always aimed to make the audience a part of the story. With this production, the fourth wall doesn’t exist. You are greeted with gulab-jal spritzers and welcome drinks when you walk in. You’ll find yourself surrounded by loud aunties, dramatic baratis, and the occasional dance-off. And before you leave, there’s a sweet surprise, motichoor ladoos for everyone.

We first presented this version of The Proposal in 2018 at The Cuckoo Club in Mumbai, and the response was overwhelming. Since then, we’ve performed it over 100 times in India and Canada. The last GTA run in 2023 sold out quickly and left us with requests to bring it back. What makes each run different is that we keep updating the show with new cultural references, trending reel jokes, and audience interactions.

This time, we’re adding special guest baratis, different guest performers at each show, who will bring live music, rap, dance, or storytelling to the stage. We’re also recreating traditional pre-wedding elements like dholki and boliyan. And we’re encouraging our audience to join in by dressing up in their best traditional outfits and becoming part of the celebration.

At its core, this play is a nautanki, a loud, colourful, ridiculous celebration of life. And like any good nautanki, it’s got a deeper message hidden in all the madness.

We hope you laugh, dance, connect, and leave with a little more joy in your heart — and maybe a tiny reminder not to let the small stuff ruin the big picture.

Language – Hindi/Urdu