My view about Chennai has just been altered, after realizing the taste that the city holds for theatre. Been for a few plays in the last few months, which was a breath of fresh air after a period of ‘not knowing what to do during weekends’, and then came the big Metroplus Fest. So it was with great enthusiasm and expectation that I went for ‘Love Letters’. And yes, I can still hear those words; feel the same tears in my eyes, and the experience of being loved and being in love.
The beauty of the whole script just swept me away (as I’m sure it did for the others). Another few feathers to the hat- the cast by Rajat Kapoor and Shernaz Patel, the simplest of simplest themes and backgrounds, humour, with just the perfect voice modulations and simple changes in attire that denoted the passage of time.
Directed by Rahul da Cunha, the story is about Andrew Lad and Melissa Gardner, childhood friends, and their story through life by way of letters, a bondage which could not be terminated by time or distance. They shared their innocent thoughts and ideas and way of life through these love letters. Both were extreme opposites, Andy being a father’s boy, and Melissa portraying the spoilt daughter of divorced parents. Their love grew with the letters, but none of them admitted it either. The passage of time drove them to different worlds, but the letters kept flowing, the love planting its roots deep into emotion….
Andy becomes a lawyer (not to miss a series of flings and affairs in between), to be a man of ‘righteousness and rectitude’, gets married and settled, and continues his dedication to his family and country, whereas Melissa becomes famous with her works of art, traveling across the world, and changing men along the way. The love letters continued, as ‘seasons greetings’, ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Congratulations’, and ‘are you there?’ messages. Melissa goes through divorces and rehabilitations, and Andy finally becomes the Senator.
In due course, Melissa realizes that Andy is her only love, and tried to express it to Andy in many ways. Andy continued to ignore it by concentrating on his family and work, although Melissa was of utmost importance to him.
Melissa turned into an alcoholic, and lost interest in life, and became depressed day by day.. However, Andy’s letters kept her alive. A meeting after a long time gets them into a one night stand, where both of them confess their love for each other. But Andy continued his dedication to his family and senatorship, and tried to not get deep into it. Melissa, by then has turned into a complete wreck, and moves into her own shell. Andy continued his letters, as he was worried about her. But nobody could bring back Melissa, as she gave herself to the ultimate- Death
The final act could just turn any unemotional person to tears. Andy pours out his heart before the grave of Melissa, writing a letter to her mother, confessing his undying love to her daughter from the time he received the first letter, which was an invitation to a birthday party.
The crowd just applauded to the combination of excellence, beauty and poise. A standing ovation was the perfect gift for the wonderful couple, who were extremely pleased as well with the response from the audience.
My final note about the play- ‘Love Letters’, for sure must have touched a corner of each ones heart, bringing back a lot of memories hidden/ thrown among score of other memories. Some brought tears about lost love, love and distance, some brought laughter, of old childhood friends and crushes, and people who have never met, but still got close with letters and mails. Lot of questions was answered, and a lot of answers brought new questions. I definitely left the ‘Lady Andal School campus’ with both.
The beauty of the whole script just swept me away (as I’m sure it did for the others). Another few feathers to the hat- the cast by Rajat Kapoor and Shernaz Patel, the simplest of simplest themes and backgrounds, humour, with just the perfect voice modulations and simple changes in attire that denoted the passage of time.
Directed by Rahul da Cunha, the story is about Andrew Lad and Melissa Gardner, childhood friends, and their story through life by way of letters, a bondage which could not be terminated by time or distance. They shared their innocent thoughts and ideas and way of life through these love letters. Both were extreme opposites, Andy being a father’s boy, and Melissa portraying the spoilt daughter of divorced parents. Their love grew with the letters, but none of them admitted it either. The passage of time drove them to different worlds, but the letters kept flowing, the love planting its roots deep into emotion….
Andy becomes a lawyer (not to miss a series of flings and affairs in between), to be a man of ‘righteousness and rectitude’, gets married and settled, and continues his dedication to his family and country, whereas Melissa becomes famous with her works of art, traveling across the world, and changing men along the way. The love letters continued, as ‘seasons greetings’, ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Congratulations’, and ‘are you there?’ messages. Melissa goes through divorces and rehabilitations, and Andy finally becomes the Senator.
In due course, Melissa realizes that Andy is her only love, and tried to express it to Andy in many ways. Andy continued to ignore it by concentrating on his family and work, although Melissa was of utmost importance to him.
Melissa turned into an alcoholic, and lost interest in life, and became depressed day by day.. However, Andy’s letters kept her alive. A meeting after a long time gets them into a one night stand, where both of them confess their love for each other. But Andy continued his dedication to his family and senatorship, and tried to not get deep into it. Melissa, by then has turned into a complete wreck, and moves into her own shell. Andy continued his letters, as he was worried about her. But nobody could bring back Melissa, as she gave herself to the ultimate- Death
The final act could just turn any unemotional person to tears. Andy pours out his heart before the grave of Melissa, writing a letter to her mother, confessing his undying love to her daughter from the time he received the first letter, which was an invitation to a birthday party.
The crowd just applauded to the combination of excellence, beauty and poise. A standing ovation was the perfect gift for the wonderful couple, who were extremely pleased as well with the response from the audience.
My final note about the play- ‘Love Letters’, for sure must have touched a corner of each ones heart, bringing back a lot of memories hidden/ thrown among score of other memories. Some brought tears about lost love, love and distance, some brought laughter, of old childhood friends and crushes, and people who have never met, but still got close with letters and mails. Lot of questions was answered, and a lot of answers brought new questions. I definitely left the ‘Lady Andal School campus’ with both.
