Review: NASEERUDDIN SHAH SHINES BRIGHT In Motley Production's The Father

There can't be anything more cathartic than watching a near one fade away into an illness. The person who is close to the sufferer has to be strong as their emotions crumble bit by bit revealing an unrelenting weakness. When French Writer Florian Zeller wrote the play - The Father, this was intricate emotion that he weaved in his storyline. The protagonist succumbing to Alzheimer's and dementia as their loved ones wrestle through thoughts and process. The character of Andre is extremely complex and the narrative of woven emotions doesn't make it any less to convincingly portray. No wonder then, that when the play was adapted in India, no other than Naseeruddin Shah was chosen to essay the role.

The play which has been showcased quite a few times since last year and will be staged once more at NCPA in Mumbai manages to fill the audiences' hearts and emotions. Naseeruddin Shah, the finest of the actors India has known, masterfully picks up the character of Andre. He gets into the skin of the character and convincingly shows Andre grappling with the inner thoughts. But what serves as a delightful surprise in the play is Hiba Shah who plays the role of Anne. As protagonists' daughter, Anne's journey is no less easy but Hiba manages to straddle across with relative ease. While watching Hiba, you feel the pulse of the character who is showing tough facade but is crumbling bit by bit ever day. Naseeruddin Shah known for his pauses and deep emotions that come tumbling through even when less words are spoken manages a great feat especially in a role like this which begged for a studied performance. Pierre, Annes husband played by Faisal Rashid too manages to score with his performance.

The play is a great commentary also on how familial relations can go through extremes. and even though Andre drives his daughter Anne to extremes, his heart is also gnawing with pain for his other daughter Elise who never visits him, even during his illness. Other characters in the play like the nurse Laura played by Trishla Patel should be credited for their work.

The Shah family's close involvement in the project is apparent as it is not only the father daughter duo that forms the part of the case but Ratna Pathak Shah too was part of the play. Along with Arghya Lahiri she designed the set that brought about the pathos of the story effectively. Sound design by Salil Vaid too adds to the impact.

The famous tragi-comedy that has been appreciated around the world, does not disappoint in its Indian avatar.

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