Acts of kindness

Ever thought great plays could ensure a great future for the flood-affected? Read on to know more about Who’s Life Is It Anyway, a drama festival.

Sixty-three artistes. Five plays. Four directors. Quite possibly the largest theatre event in the Capital this fall, and the most benevolent. Who’s Life Is It Anyway, a drama festival held in the city every year, begins today. The event is hosted by Hungry Heart, an NGO founded by renowned theatrists Sohaila Kapur, Smita Bharti and Monica Bhasin.

This year, the foundation hopes to aid another NGO, HelpAge India, in raising funds for victims affected by the flash floods in Leh. “They need our help and attention,” reiterates Arvind Gaur, director of the play, Ek Mamooli Aadmi. “So, the proceeds from the show will go towards their rehabilitation.”

HT Image

The theatre festival will showcase the works of some of the most respected names in the field of theatre, and more. “It is not only aimed at promoting theatre, but also filmmaking and the visual arts, thus empowering creative professionals to turn their visions into reality,” says Smita Bharti, one of the organisers.

And the acts will be anything but long and boring, assure those behind the initiative. “The fest is all about cutting edge, innovative and experimental theatre, along with commercially successful, but profound, laugh riots that will breathe excitement into performances and audiences in a short time period,” Bharti stresses.

The five plays to be featured during the festival cover a variety of issues — from casteism and the plight of a helpless woman in society to a simple, honest tribute to a city and the complexities of human emotions. “Each play hopes to put forward a social message ... They speak about conflict and resolution,” explains Bharti.

Interestingly, every play uses a unique style to convey its message to the audience, whether it involves humour, solemnity, irony or sarcasm. Theatre veterans are pleased. “The interplay of diverse styles to cover exigent issues and the conviction with which these messages are expressed are bound to attract a large audiences,” feels theatre personality Lushin Dubey.

Venue: Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg.

What’s playing when
21st October — 45” 35” 55”, 7.30pm
22nd October — Mahim Junction, 7.30pm
23rd October — Untitled, 7.30pm
24th October — Ek Mamooli Aadmi, 3.30pm; Court Martial, 7pm