Akvarious Productions, a stalwart in the world of theatre from Mumbai, has embarked on a new cultural foray, this time taking their latest theatrical sensation ‘This Time’ to the heart of Bengaluru. With its narrative cleverly nestled in a college reunion, the audience is invited to a poignant rollercoaster through paths of memories and musings over life’s inexorable passage. This Time, penned and shepherded to the stage under the deft hand of director Akarsh Khurana, who is not only seasoned in the realm of theatre but is also a recognized name in film and digital media, marks the company’s 80th stage production.
Akvarious has earned its stripes by delivering a diverse assortment of plays across genre and language barriers, including those which have vied for honors at the esteemed Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards. Khurana’s own cinematic achievements segue from penning Krrish’s screenplay to commandeering a slew of web sketches, cineplays, a television movie heralded as ‘Real FM,’ and more recently helming meaty projects for streaming giants like Lionsgate Play and Netflix.
According to Khurana, whose insights came through a telephonic conversation from Mumbai, ‘This Time’ navigates through the mediums of English peppered with Hindi. It subtly unravels on stage with unveilings expected and unexpected as the key characters, once entwined by young love but parted on less than amicable terms, anticipate their reunion with conflicting emotions. “They are both not looking forward to seeing the other. They go to the reunion thinking the other is not coming,” Khurana explained, setting the stage for a poignant and retrospective drama.
The play, as elucidated by Khurana, is layered with the complexities of personal growth—a recurring theme that resonates universally. “You end up having problems whether you are 18 or 40. No matter what age you are at, you are always coming of age.” His directorial ventures have spanned across stage adaptations of eminent work by writers like Ayub Khan-Din and Khaled Hosseini, amongst others. These partnerships have pushed the boundaries of character and dialogue, with Khurana stressing the relationships and growth experienced alongside his cast.
‘This Time’ does not merely serve as an entertaining narrative but also engages audiences in thought-provoking themes such as mid-life crises, the double-edged nature of nostalgia, and the profound impact of the concept of time on human lives and relationships—signified by the striking contrast between the play’s leading characters, a futurologist, and a museum curator.
Theatre remains a sanctuary for Khurana, a place of creative refuge and first love, despite the undeniable pull of cinema. His connection to the arts was influenced by his father, the acclaimed theatre and cinema actor Akash Khurana, who nurtured his talents without nepotism. This foundation, an exposure to cinema and theatre, allowed Khurana to appreciate the finer nuances of the performing arts and develop his individual voice.
The journey to realize ‘This Time’ was not without its logistical challenges—finding a conducive space for rehearsals in a bustling city like Mumbai presented hurdles. Nonetheless, the resolve to escalate their craft has spurred Akvarious Productions to frequent Bengaluru’s stages, marking the upcoming performances on May 9 and 10 at the Ranga Shankara as the latest in their artful excursions.
The cast features the likes of Adhaar Khurana, Garima Yajnik, Kshitee Jog, Mallika Singh, Mantra, and Siddharth Kumar, promising a mosaic of talent with performances set to ensnare the hearts and minds of theatre aficionados. With tickets accessible via BookMyShow, the play is open to an audience aged 16 and above, welcoming all who wish to delve into the undulating narrative that mirrors life’s ceaseless journey.
