Love stories have always been a source of theatrical inspiration. Not surprising then if Sangeet Natak Academy award winner, Alyque Padamsee, chooses the ultimate tragic love story from Greek mythology as his 76th production. As to why he sets the reinvented avatar of the ill-fated romance of Orpheus and Eurydice in France, is anybody's guess! To lend it an exotic appeal, perhaps.
However, all the disaster management techniques in the realm of drama are unable to avert the inevitable ennui. The romantic scenes in the play are far from magical – instead they are marred by psychotic pangs of insecurity of the beauteous Eurydice. Even the most intimate moments are fraught with her all-pervading melancholy. Nevertheless, credit is due to the ageless and effortless Sabira Merchant, the graceful Asif Asif Baig as the mysterious narrator and Francoise Catellino as the devious Dulac. Their performances are spontaneously engaging. Debutante Shazahn is likable and is histrionically enabled - she certainly can work on her stage presence though. The charming hero Mikhail Sen has the sultry appeal with his hypnotic gaze.
Touching, heart tugging, lingering memories – sorry if you are looking for these qualities in the play – you are bound to be disappointed. This is popcorn-theatre – enjoy it while it's crisp.
*Deepa Karmalkar is a film and theatre reviewer. She has been an entertainment journalist for over fifteen years.