With April 13 fast approaching, Khelaiya Productions is busy bringing to life No One Killed Mrs Wadia—an electrifying adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution. As rehearsals intensify and anticipation builds, the team is crafting a fresh, gripping rendition of the iconic courtroom drama.
For Harsiddhi Mody, the creative force behind Khelaiya Productions, their Hindi adaptation offers a fresh take on the classic thriller. “Set in modern times, it blends timeless themes with contemporary language and mannerisms,” she explains.
While the setting and style are updated, she believes that the core of the story—the universal human emotions and instincts that drive it—remains unchanged. This fusion of classic suspense with a modern twist, she believes, will create a narrative that resonates deeply with today’s audiences.
“The selection process for the cast and crew was focused on finding individuals with strong dialogue delivery, a deep understanding of their characters, and a strong stage presence,” says Mody. The play is directed by Amey Sane.
Over the years, Khelaiya Productions has collaborated with versatile performers who have a strong grasp of the demands of theatre and bring fresh interpretations to their roles.
“We also believe in nurturing fresh talent,” she adds. “Our audition process provides a platform for emerging artists, giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills on stage.”
Interestingly, No One Killed Mrs. Wadia aligns seamlessly with Khelaiya Productions’ vision under the Global Story project. Another play, Manka Bapu (based on William Shakespeare’s Macbeth), will be performed in July.
Traditionally, Khelaiya has championed regional stories, adapting literary gems from Gujarat and beyond. But with the new initiatives under the Global Story project, Mody says she wants to expand their reach.
“When an audience in Ahmedabad laughs or gasps at the same moment as one in London did decades ago, that’s the magic we’re chasing.”
“Theatre has no borders,” she further adds. “What connects us—love, ambition, betrayal—are the same everywhere. Our adaptations honour the original works while making them resonate with Indian audiences.”
Balancing the integrity of the original story with cultural nuances is at the heart of Khelaiya Productions’ approach to adaptation. “We built upon an existing script while tweaking the story to reflect India’s rich diversity. We introduced characters from distinct Indian communities, such as Parsi, Bengali, and Maharashtrian, to celebrate the vibrancy of India’s regions—one of the core ethos of Khelaiya.”
Each adaptation requires a unique approach. “When working on Macbeth, for instance, we had to take a different route,” she explains. “It meant reading the text multiple times to understand how to seamlessly incorporate cultural references, traditions, and values that would resonate with Indian audiences. The goal was to make the story feel more relatable, engaging, and authentic.”
Indian theatre in Melbourne has evolved significantly over the years, and its future looks even more promising as multiculturalism becomes more central in Australian society. “Khelaiya Productions has been part of this vibrant journey for the past seven years, and in recent years, Indian theatre has truly flourished,” says Mody.
One of the key developments has been the expansion of theatrical forms. “We take great pride in pioneering musicals, and it’s exciting to see many organisations now showcasing diverse forms of theatre in both regional languages and English,” she adds.
Indian-themed plays, including Andha Yug, produced and performed by Khelaiya Productions in 2023, have been featured at various festivals, reflecting the growing recognition of Indian storytelling in Melbourne’s theatre scene.
Despite these strides, Mody hopes to see Indian-themed theatre move beyond cultural festivals and into Australia’s mainstream theatre landscape. “I look forward to the day when such a platform is offered to Khelaiya Productions and other Indian theatre groups,” she says.
“There’s so much rich storytelling to share, and I believe it has the power to connect with a much wider audience.”
- No One Killed Mrs. Wadia plays at Knox Community Arts Centre
- 790 Mountain Highway, Bayswater, VICTORIA 3153 on 13 April
- For tickets, click here
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