“Life’s Whims: A Journey Through Laughter, Heartache, and Wonder”

Following a triumphant season in Mumbai, Aadyam Theatre—an undertaking by the Aditya Birla Group—has made its way back to the capital with its seventh chapter, opening with a rendition of Mark Haddon’s praised novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, on January 11 and 12.

Under the direction of Atul Kumar, the play reinterprets Haddon’s esteemed narrative within an Indian backdrop. Originally tailored for the stage by Simon Stephens, this production underscores themes of tenacity and the human spirit.

The plot revolves around Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old youth diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, who embarks on a quest to discover the circumstances surrounding the demise of Mrs. Pinto’s canine. The storyline encompasses not only the unraveling of the mystery but also delves into Boone’s extraordinary perspective and his interactions with the external and internal worlds.

In a conversation with FE, Kumar reflects: “The production isn’t solely about a boy with Asperger’s syndrome; it’s also about a boy perceived as different by neurotypical individuals. Even with this distinction, he finds his spot within society. He discovers that he perceives the world in a unique manner, and through that individuality, he realizes his aspirations and desires.”

“Ultimately, the narrative highlights human accomplishment despite overwhelming challenges. This philosophy is woven into every sentence as the character navigates his journey from the beginning to the finale,” Kumar elaborates.

The cast includes an impressive group of actors, with Dheer Hira in the principal role. Other notable performers encompass Jaimini Pathak, Dilnaz Irani, Shivani Tanksale, Salone Mehta, Harssh Singh, Vidushi Chadha, and Abhay Kaul.

Kumar stresses that he aimed to avert portraying the central character as merely a stereotype. “We encouraged Dheer Hira to embody his genuine self in the character, addressing the character’s intricate emotions and circumstances. In the past, autism was frequently depicted as a caricature; however, we sought a deeper representation.”

“The audience—particularly those acquainted with the original text—will ultimately judge whether we’ve honored the source material. We garnered both affirmative and critical responses from our Mumbai shows, and have diligently worked to enhance the production based on that feedback,” he notes.

The play serves as an investigative narrative, not only in untangling the enigma of the malicious act but also gaining insight into Christopher’s realm and how he engages with the outside and internal world around him.

The seventh installment of Aadyam Theatre, which will continue until September, will present five distinct productions, each with its own thematic perspective. These will feature The Horse, a satirical political comedy set in ancient Rome by Sunil Shanbag; Sleuth, a riveting drama interweaving fantasy and reality, directed by Shubhro Jyot Barat; Do Deewaney, an interpretation of Dostoevsky’s White Nights that examines love and hope, directed by Purva Naresh; and Mumbai Star, a dance musical helmed by Nadir Khan.