Cricket. Consent.        

         Conflict.           

Cricket is a 3rd episode of the performance series entitled 'Play.' Cricket explores consent, Power of the बल्लेबाज (batsperson), going into the pleasures of choosing to play with rules (of cricket.)

Unveiling the Hidden Influences Behind a Nation's Pastime

This performance embarks on a journey to dissect the seemingly innocuous game of cricket, revealing its deep-seated connections to historical, social, and political forces that have shaped India's identity. Drawing inspiration from Noam Chomsky's theories on language, power, and ideology, the performance explores how the rules and structures of cricket mirror the dynamics of power and control prevalent in Indian society.

Initially, the performance delves into the fundamental principles of cricket – play, consent, reciprocity, and communication – as a means to examine the underlying values and social constructs that underpin the game. However, as the performance unfolds, it subtly shifts its focus to the colonial legacy of cricket, exposing how the game was introduced and imposed upon India as a tool of cultural domination.

From there, the performance delves into the current state of Indian society, where cricket has evolved into a symbol of national identity and pride. However, this veneer of unity masks underlying tensions and divisions, particularly along religious and communal lines. The performance explores how cricket, with its potential for both unity and conflict, reflects the complex and often contradictory nature of Indian society.

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