Full house as nuance, nostalgia take the stage for ‘Autobiography’

Theatre lovers were treated to a production of “Autobiography”, written by playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar, and directed with signature nuance by Lillete Dubey.

Organised at the Newton Hall, Strawberry Fields High School, Sector 26, by Durga Das Foundation Durga Das Foundation, with support of The Tribune publications, the show drew a full house of enthusiasts eager for an evening of compelling drama.

From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear that “Autobiography” would live up to its formidable reputation. The stellar cast, Dubey, Denzil Smith, Suchitra Pillai and Sarah Hashmi, delivered performances that were not only emotionally resonant but also deeply textured, bringing Kunchwar’s layered script to life with precision and heart.

What unfolded on stage was a taut, gripping exploration of memory, identity and the elusive nature of truth. The play moved seamlessly across timelines, peeling back the fragile layers that bind past and present. As conflicting versions of events surfaced, the audience was drawn into the disquieting yet fascinating world of Anant Rao, where the boundaries between fiction and reality dissolved with unsettling ease.

Woven with emotional intensity and darkly humorous undertones, Autobiography held viewers in its thrall from start to finish. Its richly crafted narrative examined love, ego, art and the stories we tell ourselves, sometimes to protect, sometimes to escape and often to survive. In doing so, it offered a poignant commentary on how individuals become trapped within their own truths, even as they desperately seek clarity.

“With this remarkable production, the Durga Das Foundation once again demonstrated its commitment to bringing meaningful, high-calibre theatre to the city. ‘Autobiography’ was more than a performance; it was an experience, thought-provoking, emotionally rich and artistically triumphant,” said Atul Khanna, Director, Strawberry Fields High School.