Jordaar Jaisalmeri
Judva
AN ADAPTATION OF SHAKESPEAREffS TWELFTH NIGHT
By Nadine Christian
Introduction
Growing up as a young South Asian woman, I found
myself drawn to big-screen Bollywood adaptations of
Shakespeare, such as “Goliyon ki Raasleela Ram–
Leela” and “Haider”. I have chosen to set my
adaptation of Shakespeareffs Twelfth Night, in
modern day, Jaisalmer. This adaptation will bring a
sense of comical familiarity of Bollywood Film
culture to those who have South Asian roots, while
simultaneously immersing the non-South Asian
demographic in a new culture. The play was written
as a comedy about lovers With the incorporation of
modern and traditional dance and music, it will
captivate the audience and depict the plot of a
Twelfth Night in a new, colorful manner.
This adaptation was inspired by the following quote,
from Duke Orsinoffs iconic opening speech: “If music
be the food of love, play on. Give me excess of it,
that, surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken and so die.
That strain again! It had a dying fall.
O, it came offer my ear like the sweet sound
That breathes upon a bank of violets,
Stealing and giving odor.
Enough; no more.
ffTis not so sweet now as it was before (1.1.1–8).”
Setting
This adaptation takes place in post COVID-19 pandemic Jaisalmer,
Rajasthan, India, in the year 2022. Rajasthan is a state in India which
is known for its desert climate and its colorful clothing. Jaisalmer, in
particular, boasts majestic forts and rich history. The locals take
pride in their land and their ancestral roots. Many people still travel
by camel to this desert city. Our story takes place when artist Vidya,
disguised as a male matchmaker, travels in Dalal Oberoiffs camel
caravan to Jaisalmer, in search of her brother, Sabhajit. She does
this because no modes of modern transportation are prepared to go
deep into the desert and the caravan would not allow women to
travel with them. Vidya loves her twin brother, more than anyone
else in the world, which is why she chose to go with the caravan at
the height of summer. Sabhajit was known for vanishing, at a
momentffs notice, but she had not heard from him in over nine
months. There was talk he was working for Oberoi, a well-known
wealthy crime lord. So, Vidya, still disguised as a matchmaker,
enters into business with Oberoi under the guise of helping him woo
a beautiful Rajasthani woman named Omaira.
Vidya
Vidya is a stubborn, brave, fierce, and loyal young Indian woman.
She would do anything for her twin brother. However, her society
has always held her back from leaving her parentsff village. She
always thought sheffd have a quiet life in her parentsff village,
becoming a wife and homemaker. Her dream was to find a husband
of her own, who would love and cherish her. You could always find
her wearing her traditional lehengha, as this was expected of all the
young women in her village. But, there is only one person she
