05 February,2010 11:12 AM IST | | Priyanjali Ghose
Watch this beautifully narrated tale of two soldiers from enemy camps being forced to live with each other and become friends. A tale of how hate and love can just be two sides of the same coin
Destiny binds two strangers at loggerheads in an unknown land. A situation all human beings face at some point in their life. Rangshankara's latest production Robinson and Crusoe makes this poignant statement.
The German collaboration scheduled to be staged for three consecutive days this week is nowhere connected to our all time favourite Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. However, it deals with the classical theme of how situations lead human beings to do away with their nurtured values and prejudices.
"The play shows how in a closed space two different individuals learn to live with each other, however different they might be," says Gracias Devaraj, the director. "It teaches you how to look behind the curtain of prejudices. It deals with the fear of the unknown and the enemy," he adds.
Gracias Devaraj is a Bangalorean who moved to Germany 25 years ago and has been performing there since. In 2006, the same play was staged in Bangalore, with him in one of the leading roles. "It is fantastic to be staging a play here. In a way it is almost like coming home after so many years," he says.
The play begins with soldiers from two different countries at war fighting from aircrafts. Suddenly something happens and one soldier from each troupe falls from their aircrafts into the ocean. They somehow survive and end up on a floating roof top in the sea. They speak different languages -- one speaks English and the other an unfamiliar language.
Communication becomes impossible between the two. Moreover, being from enemy countries they begin mistrusting each other and fight. You can see a dash of Kalaripayattu being used in the dance forms and stick fights.
However, soon the soldiers realize the futility of fighting each other and a deep friendship blossoms. They are soon rescued and head for their respective lands but they part ways with deep love and respect for each other. In fact, they carry back a repaired raft and cups as a memento of their friendship.
Narrated in a light and humorous tone, the play is a treat for both children and adults. While kids may learn basic human values, adults can look at the divergent levels of complex communication and ways to deal with it.u00a0 "India is a country full of prejudices and differences. So this play may also get the audience thinking on those lines," says Devaraj.
At: Ranga Shankara, J P Nagar
On: February 5 and 6, 7.30 pm
On: February 7, 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm , Call: 2649 3982
Ticket: Rs 100
