Staging struggles of 'Arthur'

The Potter heads among us will surely remember the magical words of Dumbledore when he says, 'Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it.'

The play 'Arthur' delves upon this issue of non-communication through the lens of otherisation of a Northeast Indian youth in the city of Delhi, which they always claim is of 'Dilwalon' ki, but rarely one gets to see its caring nature.

Held on December 20, 6 pm, at Muktadhara Auditorium, New Delhi, the play was presented by the enthusiastic students from an NGO. After taking workshops for almost a year, this play was the first opportunity for them to showcase their learnings and talent.

Coming back to the plot – like most of us, it is much more difficult for the reticent and introvert protagonist Arthur to feel the warmth of Delhi. But is the fault only of the city, or its dwellers? Or is there an interplay of multiple issues that are normally brushed under the carpet, but however need to be confronted, and dealt with? The answers are multifold, and the play tries to deal with these uncomfortable questions and answers.

It is the first time that writer and director Janani Ray dealt with an issue which perhaps is close to her heart. Accompanied by a motley group of youngsters, whom she helps provide basic computer and English classes through her NGO AICURD, Ray enthralled the audience in the Capital with the capitavating performance and story.