REVIEW: Gaumukhi (Cow)
Age Suitability: Parental Guidance (ages 13+)
Genre: Theatre—Drama, Musical/Concert/Opera, Storytelling/Solo Show
Run Time: 75 mins
Venue: The Westdale
Gaumukhi is an existential drama tracing a young cow’s journey as they come to terms with profound questions of existence in a society that has outlawed beef amidst of heightened religious tensions between Muslims, lower-caste Hindus, and upper-caste Hindus. Cow (in a phenomenal demonstration of talent from Deval Soni) navigates their doomed life and the complexities of their religious, cultural, and social identity. Featuring live Indian classical music, hauntingly performed by Kabir Agarwal and vocalist Utsav Alok, the play uses themes of life and death to frame Cow’s inner dialogue as they navigate their fate in a meditative and truly captivating piece of theatre.
Deval Soni has a commanding stage presence, and under writer/director Kush Shah’s keen guidance, effectively relates the story to the audience. Soni’s unwavering commitment to this demanding role is seen in the depictions of Cow’s relationship with an irreverent pig, Cow’s tutelage under a passionate musician, all while this air of death and demise surround them. It’s very detailed work and full of precise technical moments that were expertly executed. If you aren’t giving this production your undivided attention, you will miss some truly impactful moments.
Embodying an animal while telling a very human story is an interesting and challenging choice and asks the audience to consider the story from a marginalized group perspective which helps combat the possible alienating feeling this story may give general audiences. It is well worth experiencing at Fringe this year and deserves much larger houses to appreciate the caliber of this beautiful and tragic story.
