In an era where art often finds itself entangled with politics, “Taking Sides” presents a compelling narrative that delves into the nuanced moral complexities faced by individuals during politically oppressive regimes. This captivating play, which has experienced an impressive run of nearly 50 performances across India, is set to captivate audiences in Chennai. It shines a spotlight on the enigmatic figure of Wilhelm Furtwängler, a man famously known as Hitler’s favourite conductor, and brings to the forefront the contentious issues of loyalty, morality, and the role of art in times of tyranny.
The play is set in the tumultuous period following World War II and centers around the interrogation of Wilhelm Furtwängler by Steve Arnold, a US Army major. Before his military service, Arnold was an insurance investigator, and now he is tasked with unraveling whether Furtwängler’s association with the Nazi regime was one of complicity or survival. The discourse unravels in a setting charged with tension, as Furtwängler remains steadfast in his commitment to his art, while moral questions loom large over his relationship with the Nazi government.
At the helm of this riveting production is director Atul Kumar, whose vision breathes life into this historical piece, aligning it strikingly with contemporary concerns. Kumar’s journey with “Taking Sides” began several years ago when he stumbled upon a film by Hungarian filmmaker Istvan Szabo, inspired by the original play. Reflecting on his initial encounter, Kumar articulates, “I remember being drawn to the powerful narrative and telling myself to someday bring this story to the stage. The script, today, resonates even more given the current socio-political climate.”
“Taking Sides” explores the uneasy interplay between arts and politics during oppressive regimes, probing profound questions about the maintenance of personal integrity in the face of societal and political pressure. The narrative zeroes in on how individuals navigate their moral compass when authoritarianism threatens to eclipse individual freedoms. Kumar elaborates, “The play raises pressing questions about the extent one can maintain their morality amidst fascist ideologies. Where does one draw the line?”
For Atul Kumar, these queries strike a personal chord, resonating with his theatrical philosophy. “My theatre work has always been larger than life, whether it involves comedy or tragedy.
. Yet, with this production, I’ve chosen to explore a more classical and realistic approach,” he reveals. Kumar has opted for a distinctive setup, often staging the play in traverse, where audiences are seated on either side of the performers, thus placing them in a metaphorical dichotomy akin to the central theme of the play itself. However, this seating arrangement won’t be implemented in Chennai due to venue constraints.
While the play’s script has been meticulously trimmed for brevity, it remains faithful to historical context rather than adopting a modern re-imagining. Extensive research ensures that even as audiences dive into the intricacies of the past, they remain attuned to its echoes in contemporary society. This meticulous attention to detail was mirrored in the collaborative efforts during rehearsals, where the cast delved into extensive literature and journalism to understand and debate their characters’ motives and morals. Kumar sees this exploration as crucial, mentioning, “The cast engaged in spirited discussions, refuting any clear-cut stance. Our aim is to have audiences leave the performance hall grappling with the issues and ideas presented.”
The production’s journey during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic adds another layer of complexity and adaptability to its narrative. Initially taking shape through Zoom meetings amidst lockdowns, “Taking Sides” persevered through an era fraught with its own brand of challenges and uncertainties. As societal responses evolve, Kumar observes a welcome shift in audience engagement. He states, “People today are more vocal and accepting of these thought-provoking themes, making our expressions a little less daunting to deliver.”
Scheduled for performance at Medai, Alwarpet in Chennai, “Taking Sides” premieres on October 19 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available on BookMyShow for ₹499. As this timeless narrative unfolds, it challenges the audience to confront historical truths while examining their relevance in the present day.
