I watched the play at Sophia in Mumbai. It rained torrentially that day, but I felt the trouble of reaching Sophia in such rain was worth it.
Shabana and Farookh were really good and were engrossed in their life’s experiences, read out thru the letters. The director’s choice of theatrical art, thru simple narration, may not be very welcome for those who come to watch plays for fun and light entertainment. The two act play is set in the simple stage setting having no frills displays or acoustics, with two high back chairs of oriental design, occupied by the two characters. the focus lights remained on the characters almost thru out the show.
Amrita’s story is a reflection on an enlightened woman’s life who is found ahead of her times by most in all the situations in life. Farookh’s character ( I have forgotten the his name in the play)is representative of a typical male in Indian society who is surrounded by the various social pressures not to exercise his will and choice when it comes to selection of a life time companion for himself.
A man who is heir to his father’s political domain, a son who is to inherit the family’s fortune and has to don the mettle of a pathfinder for others in his community and society fails to find his own path in life. Amrita leads a life by her on terms even goes to Paris to persue her love for paintings, but the pain of not been able to get her true love by her side aches her heart thru out.
Both Shabana and Farookh are excellent in their respective acts. The art of letter reading takes the audience so much into the realms of their lives that some may find themselves fully engrossed , trying to draw parallels with their own lives.
In all an excellent play to watch.