Wednesday, February 10, 2010

physician, heal thyself

Before I mention today's events, a quick glance at yesterday: Caught Akiro Kurosawa's masterpiece 'Ran', an oscar winning period drama. Was struck by its grand sweep and scale. The cinematography was breathtaking to say the least. Attended a panel discussion on 'City Writing' which had Amit Varma as one of the participants. Good insights into how Bombay or any city for that matter plays a role in the narrative.

Tuesday at KG kicked off with 'City in heat'(Spanish)about a cafe in Buenos Aires which serves as a rendezvous for a group of friends. It had some hilarious moments like three people about to consign a friend's ashes into a lake wondering if he could swim, and arguing about the (dead)person's fate when the ashes are pecked at by ducks; would he become duck shit or a roast at someone's dinner table?! The movie had a deft touch in the way it brought out nuances in the relationships.

The piece de resistance was the play 'The Laboratory'. An intense effort, it managed to shock and sway the audience with its plot about corrupt pharma companies exploiting desperate people in developed countries to test their drugs on them. Characters like a young girl aspiring to be a doctor with an alcoholic father and a dying mother are used to build up to the central message of the play. The use of dual narratives to depict both past and current events make the play fast paced and gripping. The cast was awe inspiring with veterans like Tom Alter and Dinyar Tirandaz. The compact auditorium meant that you're only a feet away from the stage. The result is the explosive impact the intense scenes have on you. A great day topped off by beer with friends at Sports Bar and dinner at Bade Miyan's.

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