In the heart of the vibrant city of Chennai, an evocative exploration of morality, art, and politics during one of history’s darkest periods unfolds on stage. The play, Taking Sides, directed by the visionary Atul Kumar, brings audiences face-to-face with the controversial figure of Wilhelm Furtwangler, the renowned conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic often branded as “Hitler’s favourite conductor.”
Having captivated audiences across India with nearly 50 performances, Taking Sides now arrives in Chennai, promising to challenge perceptions and spark heated debate. The narrative artfully traces the post-World War II interrogation of Furtwangler by a determined U.S. Army major, Steve Arnold. Arnold, who traded his civilian role as an insurance investigator for a military uniform, is tasked with uncovering whether Furtwangler’s loyalty was to his music or to the Nazi regime, thus posing a profound moral quandary: where does one draw the line between personal integrity and national affiliation in times of tyranny?
Atul Kumar, a seasoned director, is adamant that there has never been a more pertinent moment to delve into such material. His journey with this thought-provoking script began years ago when he viewed Istvan Szabo’s film adaptation of the original play. “There was something very profound about it,” Atul recalls with conviction. “I told myself then that this script demanded to be brought to the theatre. The unsettling questions it raises about our times make it more relevant than ever.”
Taking Sides evolved amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, during a time when people were often forced to confront their own freedom and the societal structures surrounding them. The play tackles the delicate balance between art and political oppression, probing the audience to question how morality is maintained in the shadow of fascism. “It’s about freedom,” Atul explains. “How one navigates the blurred lines of right and wrong during oppressive regimes.”
In bringing this intricate story to life, Atul chose to shift away from his signature theatrical style that is typically vibrant, loud, and physically expressive.
. Instead, he embraced a more classical approach to storytelling where the focus rests firmly on dialogue and the weight of arguments. This striking departure represents Atul’s maiden foray into realism in his 25-year career as a theatre artist. Performing in traverse—a style that seats the audience on opposite sides of the stage to foster a heightened sense of intimacy and division—the intent is to mirror the internal conflict on both sides of the aisle, inviting viewers to see the nuanced shades of gray that blur the stark black-and-white lines of morality. However, in Chennai, this setup couldn’t be replicated due to constraints of the venue.
An intensive rehearsal process ensured that no historical reference went unnoticed or unexplored by the cast. It involved a rigorous exchange of ideas, with the actors engaging in passionate discussions over literature and journalistic sources to understand where each would stand in a similar position. “None of us came out with a clear stance,” Atul discloses. “That was profound. We want audiences to continuously oscillate within the dilemma, debating as they leave the auditorium.”
The production’s journey, born through Zoom sessions during the unpredictable cycles of lockdowns, has reflected the unique challenges and evolutions of a society emerging from isolation. As audiences and walking theatres alike adapt to speaking out against societal injustices, Atul notes a change in the collective voice of the public. “People are much more candid now. There’s less fear in addressing the uncomfortable truths presented in the play,” he observes with a hopeful smile.
Taking Sides, as it prepares for its Chennai premiere at Medai, Alwarpet on October 19, remains a testament to the enduring power of art to question and reflect the times we live in. Tickets, priced at ₹499, are available on BookMyShow, beckoning all who dare to engage with history’s reverberating echoes and the moral questions that persist in today’s world.
