In a thought-provoking theatrical production, the spotlight falls on a figure as polarizing as the era he lived through—Wilhelm Furtwängler, the renowned conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, known for his association with Nazi Germany. “Taking Sides,” a compelling play set against the backdrop of post-World War II Europe, arrives in Chennai after an impressive run of nearly 50 performances across the nation. The play intricately examines the post-war interrogation of Furtwängler by an American major named Steve Arnold, who previously served as an insurance investigator in his civilian life. At the heart of the narrative is Furtwängler’s unwavering allegiance to his music amidst a constant struggle to discern right from wrong during times of moral ambiguity.
Directed by Atul Kumar, the staging of “Taking Sides” is timely and relevant. Kumar’s introduction to the play came through a cinematic interpretation by Hungarian filmmaker Istvan Szabo, which left a profound impression on him. “I had a moment where I knew that I must bring this script to the stage one day. Unfortunately, the climate we find ourselves in today makes it strikingly pertinent,” Kumar remarked. The genesis of the play transpired during the global pandemic, and it dives deep into discussions of freedom while dissecting the delicate relationship between art and politics amid oppression. Kumar elaborates, “It challenges us to consider the lengths one must go to preserve moral integrity during fascist regimes.”
The play’s themes resonate on a deeply personal level for Kumar, who has traditionally leaned towards creating theatre that is vibrant, dynamic, and emotionally charged—whether it be tragedy or comedy. He confesses, “This is an artistic departure for me—a shift towards a classical form of theatre where dialogue and argumentation are paramount. For the first time in my 25-year career, I am venturing into a more realistic portrayal.” Originally envisioned to be performed in a traverse format, where the audience sits on two opposing sides of the stage to enhance the experience of division central to the play’s theme, this arrangement will not be implemented in Chennai due to venue constraints.
.
Despite modifying the script for brevity, the play remains true to its original composition. Any potential loss of historical context is mitigated through comprehensive research. As Kumar explains, “The cast engaged in intense discussions, explored literary and journalistic sources, and critically evaluated their own stances. No one arrived at a definitive position. Our objective was to keep the audience suspended in thought and inspire post-performance dialogues about the ideas presented.”
Kumar himself inhabits the role of Furtwängler, embodying the external conflict of the character’s perceived loyalty to Nazi Germany. “Taking Sides” took root via Zoom collaborations during the lockdown phase of the pandemic, leading to its emergence in a time marked by uncertainty. The play and its reception have notably evolved alongside societal changes, according to Kumar. “Audiences are now more vocal and receptive. There is less fear in expressing the challenging narratives that the play addresses,” he concludes.
For theatre enthusiasts eager to delve into the complexities of historical morality and resilience, “Taking Sides” is set to stage at Medai in Alwarpet on October 19th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available on BookMyShow, priced at ₹499. This production promises to enlighten and provoke audiences, challenging them to weigh the intersection of personal and artistic integrity against the demands of the times.
