Alyque Padamsee is a passionate man, if the amour for his flame of over past 60 years is any indication. We are talking theatre of course — as this maverick has pretty controversial ideas about marriage and commitment.
But then, Alyque, “loves controversies!” “If India, like Pakistan, ever puts restrictions on theatre, I am going to migrate to another country," says the theatre personality and advertising guru with a laugh.
In the capital for the 9th Theatre Utsav organised by the NSD, where he staged his latest offering Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Alyque was his passionate self. Finicky and fastidious about his craft, he said not every actor has the inner life,“to impact the emotional retina of my audience.”
In Macbeth, his 71st play, Alyque has blended Indian mysticism, Tantra and witchcraft into the narrative. “I fervently believe it was Lady Macbeth’s passion that resulted in the tragedy.”
So will he participate at the Edinburgh Festival with his version? “Of course! I believe in catering to the heart and mind and not pandering to the demands of the people. I’m sure the western audience will love our version.”
With theatre occupying his waking hours, does he have time for films? “I do. If I’m not rehearsing or writing, I watch other directorial efforts. I loved Omkara,” he says. But he rues the fact that, “due to Bollywood, love for theatre has diluted.”