Director : Shekhar Kanwat
Writer : Patrick Hamilton
Translator : Priyamvar Shastri
Group : NSD Students’ Diploma production
Language : Hindi
Duration : 80 mins.
Date : 10 Feb 2025
Play : GAS LIGHT
Set in fog-bound London during the late 19th century, Gas Light unravels a chilling tale of psychological manipulation in the Manningham household. Bella Manningham, a young vulnerable woman, lives in a grand but isolated townhouse with her old husband, Jack. Beneath their domestic facade lies a sinister web of control.
Unexplained events disrupt Bella’s life, objects vanish, gaslights dim inexplicably, and eerie footsteps echo from the locked attic. Jack dismisses her concerns, subtly undermining her confidence and twisting her reality. His manipulative actions erode Bella’s sense of self, leaving her isolated and doubting her sanity.
This Victorian melodrama transcends its time, offering a powerful portrayal of emotional abuse. Jack’s tactics exemplify “gaslighting”—manipulating someone into questioning their perceptions or sanity. His actions reflect both his desire for control and societal norms that suppress women.
The arrival of Rough, a retired detective, exposes Jack’s deception and helps Bella reclaim her autonomy. Through suspenseful twists and poignant revelations, Gaslight explores themes of power, abuse, and self-empowerment.
Timeless in its relevance, Gas light examines the psychological forces that entrap individuals—and the resilience needed to break free.
