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"Even chaos has its shepherd. The illusion of choice is merely another form of control."

 A surreal satire where shepherds and sheep blur into one, questioning who truly leads and who blindly follows. In a bizarre, surreal world where logic and absurdity intertwine, two enigmatic characters, PIKACHU and DALI, find themselves entrusted with an unusual responsibility: managing a flock of sheep. But these are no ordinary sheep; they symbolize the collective consciousness of a society that mindlessly follows orders, adhering to rigid structures of control and conformity. Through sharp-witted banter, satirical commentary, and peculiar interactions, the two protagonists embark on a journey that challenges not only their understanding of authority but also the very fabric of reality itself.

PIKACHU, a character imbued with youthful curiosity and boundless energy, constantly questions the rules governing their world. With an irreverent and playful nature, he finds joy in pushing boundaries and subverting expectations. DALI, on the other hand, embodies a more calculated and philosophical perspective, often speaking in paradoxes and riddles. His words drip with cynicism and wisdom, drawing inspiration from surrealist thought and existential musings. Together, their dynamic creates a comedic yet thought-provoking interplay, oscillating between hilarity and profound reflection.

The play unfolds in a landscape that defies reason—perhaps a vast, unending desert or a floating island suspended in a void. The sheep, though seemingly docile, exhibit strange behaviors, mirroring the absurdity of human existence. Some march in perfect unison without question, while others break away only to be herded back into place. PIKACHU, with his anarchic spirit, attempts to provoke the sheep, encouraging them to think for themselves. He poses absurd hypothetical scenarios: "What if the sky were made of wool? Would you still seek shelter?" Meanwhile, DALI watches with detached amusement, occasionally offering cryptic insights: "Even chaos has its shepherd. The illusion of choice is merely another form of control."

As the play progresses, the distinction between PIKACHU and DALI’s roles begins to blur. Are they truly in charge of the sheep, or are they themselves being controlled by an unseen force? The sheep, once mere symbols of conformity, begin to speak, questioning their shepherds. The line between reality and illusion becomes increasingly fragile, forcing both characters—and the audience—to confront the unsettling possibility that free will is an elaborate illusion.

With its blend of absurdist humor, sharp social satire, and existential philosophy, this play serves as both an entertaining spectacle and a deeply introspective piece. It invites the audience to reconsider the mechanisms of power, the nature of autonomy, and the cost of unquestioning obedience. In the end, PIKACHU and DALI stand before the gate, caught in a moment of decision—one that may not belong to them at all.

About the Writer: 

Kaleem Zafar is an Actor, Director, Writer, lyricist, Music composer and Acting coach and also know as children theatre expert hailing from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, embarked on his artistic journey through children’s theatre with the renowned group, Sanket Rangtoli.

Distinguished by a three-year professional acting diploma from Intercultural Theatre Institute, Singapore, Kaleem further honed his craft at the Madhya Pradesh School of Drama, earning a Diploma in Dramatic Arts. His immersive education included a year-long internship, during which he conceptualized and directed numerous original works.

Having actively participated in various national festivals in India as both a performer and coordinator, Kaleem also served as an actor-teacher at the National School of Drama Theatre in Education Company in New Delhi.

Beyond the stage, Kaleem has showcased his acting prowess on screen, with notable credits in productions such as "Before Life After Death," "Delhi Crime," and "Matto ki Cycle." His upcoming film with sagarika ghatke "lalaat" in this film he did acting and also he coaches sagarika as an acting coach for this project.

Post-graduation, Kaleem continues to grace both stage and screen with his talent. He also composed Songs for theatre productions.  Alongside his acting pursuits, he serves as an arts educator, exploring self-discovery through the transformative medium of theatre. Currently he is teaching at Barry Jhone acting studio Mumbai as an acting coach. As the founder Trustee of "OWN SPACE" trust, Kaleem remains committed to the advancement of arts and culture.

About the Director:

Pritam Pilania is an actor and director from Haryana but currently based in Mumbai, India.

He holds a three year diploma in Acting from Intercultural Theatre Institute, Singapore. And a diploma in Mime from National Mime Institute, Kolkata. His theatre journey started in 2014, working in various stage productions with different theatre companies and directors since then. He has participated in several theatre festivals, exploring Classical, Psycho Physical, Forum, Parsi and Realistic Theatre.

After returning from Singapore, he wants his creative work to serve the community. He also aims to work towards using Theatre as a tool to address social and environmental issues. His recent work includes theatre productions of “Seven Jewish Children” by Caryl  Churchill, “Kare to Kare Kya! Bole to Bole Kya!” A Musical Comedy, Adaptation of Dario Fo’s Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!, “Endgame” by Samuel Beckett, “The Caretaker” by Harold Pinter, “The Moment Of Truth” written and directed by himself And “ART” written by Yasmina Reza. He’s also founder and director of “Monolith Theatre”.

About Rituraj- 

Rituraj is a versatile artist passionate about meaningful storytelling across theatre, cinema, and documentaries. A core member of Mailorang Repertory, Delhi, led by Dr. Prakash Jha, he plays a crucial role in the revival and upliftment of Maithili theatre.
His theatrical journey includes multiple performances at the prestigious Bharat Rang Mahotsav, where he collaborated with renowned theatre directors like Dr. D. R. Ankur, Dinesh Khanna, and Happy Ranajit. As a playwright, he is the mind behind ''Jat Jatin'', a play inspired by a beloved Bihari folk tale, which received production support from the Ministry of Culture.

Academically, Rituraj holds a Foundation Course in Screenplay Writing from FTII and a Masters degree in Media and Cultural Studies from TISS, Mumbai. His documentary ''On the Right Track'' has been widely recognized at film festivals across India, reinforcing his commitment to impactful storytelling.

Driven by a strong belief in the transformative power of visual narratives, Rituraj continues to push creative boundaries, using theatre and film as tools for societal change and meaningful conversations.

Cast:
Pritam Pilania
Kaleem Zafar
Rituraj  
Production Managed by Shweta Mishra
Produced by ProjectNAS

Reasons why you should attend this play?

A Thought-Provoking Satire – This play challenges audiences to reconsider the nature of free will, authority, and conformity, making them laugh while provoking deep reflection.

A Unique Blend of Absurdism and Humour– With its absurd dialogues, absurdist setting, and dynamic characters, the show offers an entertaining yet intellectually stimulating experience unlike any other.