The divisive moniker of “Hitler’s favourite conductor” lays at the heart of the compelling theatrical play Taking Sides, which has arrived in Chennai following a nearly 50-performance tour across the nation. The play delves into the complex world of Wilhelm Furtwangler, the celebrated conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, and examines the intricacies of his life during the turbulent post-World War II era. The narrative centers on the interrogation of Furtwangler by a former insurance investigator turned U.S. Army major, Steve Arnold, present amidst the ruins of a defeated Germany. The probing nature of this exchange unveils a profound exploration of morality, personal integrity, and allegiance to art during times of oppressive regimes.
Atul Kumar, the director, emphasizes that there is no more opportune time than the present to stage a production of this nature. His first encounter with Taking Sides occurred through a film adaptation directed by Hungarian filmmaker Istvan Szabo. The resonance of the script with contemporary issues became apparent to Atul, cementing his desire to bring it to the stage. “In times like these, the themes explored in this play become extremely relevant,” he reflects.
Developed during the global pandemic, the play probes the theme of freedom, while it navigates the intersection of art and politics in the face of fascism. “How does one uphold morality amidst tyranny?” questions Atul, encapsulating the inner conflict that performers and audiences grapple with as they engage with the play’s narrative.
A glimpse into the Taking Sides production, directed by Atul Kumar, provides a thought-provoking focus on the ongoing debates concerning art and political allegiance. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement.
This narrative strikes a personal chord with Atul, who traditionally gravitates towards vibrant and exaggerated theatrical expressions, whether comedic or tragic. “The essence of my work has always been larger-than-life,” he explains. However, with Taking Sides, he ventured into an uncharted territory in his 25-year career, opting for a classical approach concentrating on dialogue and philosophical argument. “For the first time, we are presenting a play grounded in realism,” Atul notes, with a touch of humor.
. Intriguingly, the play is often staged in a traverse format, with audiences flanking the performers on either side. This provides a literal sense of divide that mirrors the ideological split within the narrative. However, due to venue constraints in Chennai, this format could not be employed.
Even though modifications were made to trim the play’s length, it retains its original essence, brimming with historical references that were meticulously researched to resonate with the audience. The cast engaged in lively discussions, drawing from both literary and journalistic sources, resulting in a powerful and nuanced performance. “None of us could settle on a definitive stance,” Atul reveals, underscoring the deliberate oscillation intended for the audience. The ambiguity surrounding Furtwangler’s loyalty to the Third Reich acts as a conduit for reflection on contemporary parallels.
A scene from Taking Sides exemplifies the compelling exchange of ideas, portrayed by Atul Kumar. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement.
The production emerged during digital interactions over Zoom, in the intermittent phases between pandemic-induced lockdowns. “These have been strange times for us all,” Atul remarks, acknowledging the uniqueness of the audience’s evolving reactions over the years. Today, audiences are more expressive and receptive, engaging earnestly with the play’s themes. “We feel more liberated to voice these thoughts now,” Atul concludes.
Taking Sides is set to be staged at Medai, Alwarpet, on October 19 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available through BookMyShow at ₹499. With its pertinent themes, the play continues to resonate with audiences, inviting them to critically assess the ethics of art and personal conviction amidst political turmoil.
Published on October 19, 2024, 03:38 pm IST in The Hindu MetroPlus.
