In an era where past historical lessons become eerily relevant, the depiction of Nazi Germany in the play “Taking Sides” emerges as a poignant reminder of the ethical dichotomies that artists, and indeed individuals, face in oppressive regimes. This theatrical piece now graces the cultural scene in Chennai, following an impressive run of nearly 50 performances across India. At its heart, the play navigates the post-World War II interrogation of Wilhelm Furtwangler, the Berlin Philharmonic conductor, by a U.S. Army major named Steve Arnold, who was previously an insurance investigator in civilian life. This portrayal of Furtwangler is central to the story as it delves into his internal conflict between his unwavering passion for music and the weighty morality of his affiliations during the Nazi regime.
Atul Kumar, the play’s director, feels that the timing is ripe to bring such narratives to the fore. His acquaintance with the play dates back to several years ago when he stumbled upon a film adaptation by Hungarian director Istvan Szabo. The film left a lasting impression on Kumar. “I remember telling myself that I should someday pick up this script and take it to the stage. It’s just that the times we live in now, sadly, make the script extremely relevant,” muses Kumar, reflecting on its contemporary resonance.
The genesis of “Taking Sides” occurred amid the global turbulence of the pandemic, during which the play began to take form. While the essence of the play could be considered a reflection on freedom, it candidly examines the interplay of arts and politics under the shadow of tyrannical rule. “It questions how, at the time of fascism, one maintains one’s morality. Where does one draw a line?” Kumar posits, adding layers to the intricate fabric of this production.
Yet, for Kumar, these questions probe deeper than mere plot points; they resonate on a personal level. “I have always done theatre that is loud, robust, and over-the-top. Whether it’s a comedy or a tragedy, it’s always been larger than life.
. That’s my expression, and physical culture has been my practice.” However, with “Taking Sides,” Kumar opted to explore a more classical method of storytelling, one that focuses on dialogue and internal conflict. “So we have done a play that is realistic for the first time in my 25 years of career,” he notes with a sense of accomplishment and new venture.
The dramaturgical approach to audience engagement is unique. Typically performed in a traverse format, where audiences sit on either side of the performers, Kumar intended this layout to symbolize and induce a literal divide in audience perception and response. However, due to logistical constraints in Chennai, this setup won’t be implemented. Nevertheless, the spirit of division and contemplation is expected to pervade the auditorium.
Though the script remains true to its origins without adaptation, historical references within the play have been meticulously researched, ensuring clarity and comprehension. Engaging discussions and debates among the cast were central to peeling back the nuanced layers of allegiances and beliefs explored in the narrative. “The cast argued, talked, and got in literature and journalistic references and discussed on which side we would stand. Nobody took a clean stand. We realized that we must keep the audience oscillating, and they must leave the auditorium arguing for ideas and concepts,” Kumar explains, emphasizing the lack of clear moral binaries within the play.
The creation of this play was unconventional, relying on the digital communication landscape during pandemic lockdowns. This journey through challenging times parallels the enduring and evolving reception of the play’s themes. “People are now a lot more vocal about things and are accepting of this play. We feel less scared to say the things that we say,” Kumar concludes.
The moral and artistic reverberations of “Taking Sides” can be experienced at Medai, Alwarpet, with a performance slated for October 19 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available on BookMyShow, priced at ₹499, inviting audiences to ponder upon a piece of history that remains hauntingly pertinent today.
