The Axe in the Ceiling

Clever Else by the Brothers Grimm as a contemporary Indian ~~love~~* *arranged marriage story

The Axe in the Ceiling (written & directed by Jaya Berged) is a story about a newly married couple on a journey of self-discovery, through a series of absurd events.

Chhaya is a playful, imaginative woman who has always lovingly walked the path that she’s been taught to walk. Hunar is a responsible, self-reliant man who has always provided well for himself and made good decisions. Their relationship begins with an axe in the ceiling, and peaks with a bird net in a corn field. Their journey together rocks their individual stability and reveals gaps in their self-image, compelling them to reflect on what they truly want and whether they have what it takes to get it.

The Axe in the Ceiling is a story of vulnerability, human connection, villain-less antagonism, resilience, and rising from the ashes. It is performed in waves of absurdity, realism, comedy, romance, and philosophical reflection. This production provokes deep thought and holds up a mirror to our own relationships, but is ultimately a show that offers hope and validates our individual experiences in the world.

Australian Arts Review (2024): Review by David Collins
The Indian Sun (2024): Absurdity Meets Tradition in The Axe in the Ceiling
Australian Arts Review (2023): Review by Guy Webster
Praise Dionysus! (Podcast) Review (2024): Review by Jake & James (Traversus Fraternus, starting at 1h 48m 30s)
IndianLink (2024): Interview – The Axe in the Ceiling and the Absurdity of Arranged Marriage (by Lakshmi Ganapathy)
Indian Sun (2024): Interview – A Playful Dance of Absurdity and Reflection