What would one think of when writing a letter? Would it be describing the day, the moment or the feeling? No, the very thought of writing a letter is absurd in our world, that is more mechanized than ever before. However, it is a wonderful feeling to know that this art of letter writing is not dying, even though it is presented in the form of a play, and even if it is only for two hours. With sheer subtlety, is the transition of time depicted in the Feroz Khan adaptation of A.R. Gurney�s � Love Letters". In his play "Tumhari Amrita", the two protagonists have nothing in common and yet they seem to be each other�s sole companions. Feroz Khan's adaptation is as witty and charming as the original. We are transcended into the world of two people who read out their lives form a sheaf of letters, almost as if following a routine. Set in Lahore, the story is a journey of two people as they are to each other through letters. Communicating through letters becomes an indispensable act for the protagonists, Latif and Amrita.
The intimacy between Amrita and Latif is conveyed through speech, that does not take a sentimental look at each other�s situations and circumstances. And it is choice, if one may so that keeps them. Shabana Azmi and Farooq Sheikh handle the tones and emotions of Latif and Amrita very delicately. One can picture the entire metamorphosis of the protagonists as they mature into adults. We can view the entire transition from childhood, to adolescence, to adulthood, just through speech. There are no props on stage except for a chair and table for each character. A complete life through letters is portrayed. Fluctuating, fledging emotions of letters are conveyed to perfection where interpersonal exchange of letters is doled out to the audience and takes us through the lives of two people without a minute of boredom. There are absolutely no movements on stage. Our attention is sustained through out the play. There is Minimal lighting on stage that enhances the mood of these letters.
The letters get more interesting as both Amrita and Latif explore areas of their lives that remain unknown even to their spouses. Failed marriages, painting exhibitions and desires are the dominant themes of these letters. Words take us into the life of a frivolous Amrita, living the dream of an idealist. Bourgeoisie Paris is the place she chooses as home, making a living by selling nude paintings, living the life of an artist, whose failed marriage does not deter her from living life on her own terms. Yet she is helpless at times, a helplessness that is called for. Juxtaposed to Amrita�s character is the character of Latif. Farooq Sheikh as Latif brings out the �Lucknowi Nawab� element in the apt Urdu accent. The nuances he brings out are worth a watch. Shabana Azmi and Farooq Sheik are apt as Latif and Amrita. Feroz Khan has directed the play, as one would have imagined it to be directed.
