In a captivating exploration of art’s intricate relationship with moral dilemmas, the thought-provoking play “Taking Sides” is set to stage its debut in Chennai. The play delves into the life of Wilhelm Furtwangler, the renowned conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, whose name has become emblematic of controversy, often referred to as “Hitler’s favourite conductor.” This poignant narrative, drawn from the annals of history, investigates the exhaustive post-war interrogation of Furtwangler by U.S. Army Major Steve Arnold, whose background lies in insurance investigation rather than the world of music and culture.
Director Atul Kumar feels an urgency about the staging of this complex play. His first encounter with “Taking Sides” was through a cinematic work by Hungarian director Istvan Szabo, which left a lasting impression on him. “I remember telling myself back then that this script needed to be brought to the stage,” Kumar reflects. “Unfortunately, the times we live in now have made the themes of the play acutely relevant.”
Created amid the global turmoil of the pandemic, “Taking Sides” rigorously examines the intersection of freedom, arts, and politics during oppressive regimes. At the heart of the narrative is an intense inquiry: how does one navigate moral integrity in the face of fascism? “Where does one draw the line?” Kumar questions aloud, touching upon an eternal moral quandary.
The issues raised by the play are deeply personal for Kumar. Known for his vibrant and exuberant theatrical style, Kumar describes his previous work as robust, whether comedic or tragic, always grand in scale. “This time,” he reveals, “I wanted to dive into the classical methodologies of theater, focusing on dialogue and discourse. This is the first time in my 25-year career that we’ve done something so realistic,” he shares with an amused smile.
. Typically, “Taking Sides” is performed in a traverse setting, where audiences sit on either side of the performers. Kumar employs this setup to enhance the internal division among viewers; however, due to venue constraints in Chennai, this arrangement will not be possible.
While some historical context might be obscure for modern audiences, Kumar and his team have carefully preserved the script’s integrity, choosing not to adapt it to contemporary settings but maintain its original form. The cast engaged in extensive discussions supported by historical texts and journalistic accounts to understand and express their nuanced positions on the complex issues at play. “No one could assume a clear position,” says Kumar, who also plays Furtwangler. “The goal is for the audience to deliberate and leave with a mind brimming with questions and ideas.”
This production began its journey during the unpredictable times of pandemic lockdowns, fostering a unique evolution in both its creation and reception. Over time, audience reactions have progressed, with viewers arriving more prepared to engage in the dialogue embedded within the play. “People are now more vocal and accepting of these discussions. It’s heartening to feel less afraid about expressing our truths,” Kumar concludes.
“Taking Sides” promises a riveting theatrical evening at Medai, Alwarpet, set for October 19, 7.30 pm. Tickets for the performance, poised to challenge perspectives and spark debate, are available on BookMyShow for ₹499. As the cast and crew prepare for this Chennai showing, both the performers and the audience are invited to reflect on the compelling resonance between the historical narrative and today’s societal issues.
