“Rafta, Rafta,” a comedy about the trials and tribulations of a newly wed Indian couple in England living under their family’s roof, is currently running strong at the Old Globe theater. Though the set is definitely interesting with props and costumes of vibrant colors that capture the eye, as in a Bollywood movie, the acting often feels forced at times.
It could have to do with the awkward central theme of sex, or the couple’s lack thereof, but the majority of jokes fell flat, at least to the ears of a younger audience. Relying on old-timey jokes about the Soviet Union, the play was often funny only when not meaning to be.
As for the central conflict- The main character’s inability to get it up and have sex with his girl because his parents are next door- it isn’t likely a conflict many people our age seem to have trouble with. The conflict between the characters on the other hand, only made me dislike them more. It was painful to watch what an ass almost every character was. In some ways this can be good, if aiming at a larger theme, but I wasn’t convinced for most of the show.
It was things like this that put me off and kept me from enjoying the play for what it was, an interesting domestic glimpse into a different culture. I think it was great that the Old Globe, usually the runner of mainly Shakespearean plays, was ready to give “Rafta, Rafta,” a shot and I hope the play does well for the rest of its run. I think, while it was aimed at an older audience, if you’re interested in what an Indian family is like, or simply in a more cultured play, than this is worth a view.
It runs at the Old Globe 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, through April 24 with tickets from $29 to $67