Set in the times of Wajid Ali Shah, the last independently ruling Nawab of Awadh, Premchand’s classic 1924 story शतरंज के खिलाड़ी (THE CHESS PLAYERS) depicts a decadent aristocracy that is indifferent to its fate, and that of the country, even as the Nawab’s kingdom crumbles and the British move to annex it in 1856. Naatak brings the story to the stage with the moods of nineteenth century Lucknow, its costumes, its kathak and its music. The play features live music and dance.

run-time: 90 minutes