The art of making cash from catastrophe is akin to playing Russian roulette. Lives will be lost. Yet, this is now a template of a corporate phenomenon many Indians have witnessed multiple times over the years: Bombay docks explosion (’44), Chasnala mining disaster (’75), Bhopal gas tragedy (’84), the list goes on.
“Most recently, it’s the Thoothukudi incident. Thirteen lives were lost during a protest against environmental violations made by the Sterlite Copper project, an offshoot of the multi-billion dollar Vedanta conglomerate,” begins director Arun P R, who is part of an artistes collective called The Fifth Estate.
The 35-year-old adds, “Our third theatrical production, titled Bon Voyage, is not centred on the aforementioned issue. It follows the impact of such calamitous corporate decisions, white-collar crime, and its implications on the families involved, especially how women deal with it.”
Disaster profiteers
So, what’s unique about this 55-minute drama? This ‘timely-as-today’s-headlines’ story can unfold in anyone’s living room. In fact, Fifth Estate has plans to home deliver this intimate play in the near future. “This political and live music-oriented performance just needs five chairs. No other props or costumes. So, if anyone wants to watch it, we can bring it to their doorstep,” claims Arun.
Featuring cine actors including Vidhya Vijay (Kaly) and Jason Chacko (Munroe Thuruthu), the plot primarily revolves around a risky business proposition and how it changes the dynamics of a relationship. Since this initiative’s last out-of-the-box venture Hand of God received rave reviews and invitations to major events including Soorya Festival, the hype around the forthcoming production is palpable.
On June 30 and July 1.
7.30 pm. At River Bourne Centre
anoop.p@newindianexpress.com
@godsonlymistake