The Crutch (The Middle of Silence)

Synopsis

In a cramped, one-room house in Sri Lanka, a paraplegic man and his wife struggle with poverty, disability, and the disintegration of their relationship.

Ajith, a middle-class man turned paraplegic after an accident, and his lower-class wife Nandha live in squalid conditions, having been disowned by Ajith’s family. As Ajith’s mental state deteriorates, he becomes increasingly abusive towards Nandha, who desperately tries to make ends meet. Nandha eventually turns to prostitution, befriending Nireka, a street-wise sex worker. As Nandha gains confidence and independence, Ajith retreats further into paranoia and silence.

De Chickera’s play is a raw, unflinching exploration of disability, class, and gender in contemporary Sri Lanka. Through intense, often brutal dialogue and a claustrophobic setting, she examines the power dynamics within a marriage pushed to its breaking point by external pressures and internal resentments. The play delves into themes of social isolation, the impact of disability on identity, and the complex nature of love and dependence in extreme circumstances. As the characters grapple with their changing roles and sense of self, Middle of Silence offers a poignant commentary on the struggle for dignity and connection in the face of societal and personal upheaval.