No One Killed Mrs Wadia – an electrifying Hindi adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution – had a stellar run on April 13, drawing a full house and rave reviews from theatre-goers. By popular demand, the play is set to return for an encore performance on 20 September at Knox Community Arts Centre, Bayswater.
Patrons described the production as a rare theatrical treat in Melbourne. “Great!! One of the best plays I have seen in Melbourne… will be there again for sure,” said audience member Suneel Chalisgaonkar.
For Harsiddhi Mody, the creative force behind Khelaiya Productions, the play’s success lies in its blend of timeless suspense and contemporary relevance. “Set in modern times, it blends universal themes with contemporary language and mannerisms,” she explains.
Directed by Amey Sane, the play’s gripping intensity stems from the cast’s ability to deliver authentic, layered performances. “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 April staging reaffirmed Khelaiya Productions’ commitment to nurturing talent. “Our audition process provides a platform for emerging artists, giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills on stage,” Mody adds.
No One Killed Mrs Wadia also aligns seamlessly with Khelaiya Productions’ Global Story project, an initiative to expand beyond regional stories and adapt international classics for Indian audiences. In July, another play under this banner, Manka Bapu (inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth), drew resounding applause.
As Neeraj Nanda, editor of South Asia Times put it after the show, “Khelaiya Productions, Harsiddhi Mody, and the team of Manka Bapu are creating works of art as a ‘puja’ for humanity. Manka Bapu’s message – the hunger for power and what it leads to – is the soul of the play.”
Traditionally, Khelaiya has championed regional works, particularly from Gujarat. But with the Global Story project, Mody hopes to create productions that transcend borders. “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,” she says.
“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.”
For Mody, adapting such classics requires balancing fidelity to the original with local cultural nuances. “We built upon an existing script while tweaking the story to reflect India’s rich diversity. We introduced characters from distinct Indian communities—Parsi, Bengali, Maharashtrian—to celebrate the vibrancy of India’s regions.”
Indian theatre in Melbourne, she notes, has evolved significantly. “Khelaiya Productions has been part of this vibrant journey for the past seven years, and in recent years, Indian theatre has truly flourished.”
Indian-themed plays such as Andha Yug (staged in 2023) have been featured at various festivals, signalling broader recognition of Indian storytelling. Yet Mody believes the next step is to move beyond cultural festivals and enter Australia’s mainstream theatre landscape. “There’s so much rich storytelling to share, and I believe it has the power to connect with a much wider audience.”
With a triumphant April run behind it and another staging in September, No One Killed Mrs Wadia is proving that Indian theatre in Melbourne is not just surviving—it’s thriving.
- No One Killed Mrs. Wadia plays at Knox Community Arts Centre
- 790 Mountain Highway, Bayswater, VICTORIA 3153 on 20 September
- For tickets, click here
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