Coming to terms with calamity

A variety performance-art show by writers, actors, artists, musicians, thespians and thinkers will mark the second anniversary of 26/11.

Two years since the Mumbai terror attacks held the city captive for over 72 hours, killing more than 175 people, a group of artistes have come together to voice their collective sentiment.

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Conceptualised by Zafar Karachiwala and Devika Shahani, Embracing the Future… We Remember 26/11 is a variety performance-art show that commemorates the second anniversary of the Mumbai attacks through various works by writers, actors, artists, musicians, thespians and thinkers. "The idea was to collate all the 26/11-inspired literature and music to help citizens understand and come to terms with the calamity," says theatre personality, Karachiwala.

With a group of 75 artistes, Karachiwala has packed a 90-minute show that will feature pieces by director Mohit Takalkar, playwright Mohit Takalkar, actors Suchitra Pillai and Mandira Bedi, author Suketu Mehta, lyricist Prasoon Joshi, music directors Siddharth-Suhaas, as well as songs by the Mehli Mehta Choir, among others.

"The idea is to remember what we have gone through. It’s an informative tribute that intends to show a path to positive beginnings," says Suchitra Pillai, who will be reading Imitiaz Dharker’s poem, She Must Be From Another Country as well as excerpts from Mehta’s celebrated Mumbai-based novel, Maximum City. Another highlight is the audio-visual documentary by filmmaker Pushan Kripalani, which captures the reactions of over 100 Mumbaikars, recording their reactions and revealing their fears and love for the city.

Produced in collaboration with Public Concern for Governance Trust, the evening of short plays, music, poetry and essay readings examines the changes in governance over the last two years. “It’s a move from the past into the future, imparting information and foresight into law and order developments,” adds Karachiwala.

Public outrage may still exist, with the only surviving attacker, Ajmal Kasab, still in captivity, but Karachiwala says, “It is difficult to bury anger. But we need to move on and make a change. We hope to shake citizens from their slumber to take charge of the situation, by exploring solutions for change, through the thoughts of those who are making a difference.”