Coriolanus (Iran): When a despot is asked to show wounds from a war he falsely claims he fought for his people. When he is asked to prove why he deserves the trust of his people. When his people find out the truth and cast him out. The performing ensemble dedicated their show to the protesting and grieving people of Iran, and I, in my mind, to the courage of people on the streets in India today. Ali Rezania’s live music was mesmerizing, and Mostafa Koushk’s direction produced a spectacular act.
An Evening with an Immigrant (U.K.): An autobiographical account in a dozen or more poems, Inua Ellams tells his story of becoming a performer, having wine with the Queen and pursuing his quest for defining "home". Rarely have I heard a story of migration (from Nigeria to U.K. in this case) being told with such wit and self-reflexivity. I had first watched him perform at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2010/11, and took a secret vow to bring his work to India one day, and here he is.
The International Theatre Festival of Kerala hosted two exceptional plays yesterday, one minimal and intimate, the other clarion and spectacular.
