SUMAN MUKHOPADHYAY

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THEATRE

MEPHISTO

Novel Klaus Mann
Adaptation Arianne Mnouchkine, Istvan Szabo
Translation and Direction Suman Mukhopadhyay
First performed  May 21, 2002

About the play

Hendrik Hofgen wants to be the best actor in Germany. To be in Berlin becomes and obsession with him. With the advent of the Nazis to power Hendrik forgets his communist background and his erstwhile friends. His portrayal of Mephisto makes him famous. He starts mingling among high-ups in the German government. He is also bestowed the highest office in the German State Theatre. Hofgen reaches the pinnacle of fame.
But how?


Director's Note

It is not often that history faces a crisis, so much so that one loses sight of one's objective. Faced with the reality of recent happenings in Gujarat one stands dumbfounded. Along with the ravages of communal riot there is an ongoing dangerous rehearsal. The rehearsal is of initiating the ideal of Fascism in India. Against this threat, protests have been heard from many corners of India and blocs have been formed. In West Bengal people cutting across class barriers have organized meetings, rallies and gatherings. We as theatre people felt it would be best if we are to express ourselves through our own medium. Otherwise we felt our vision would fall short of our expectations. Hence all of us jumped into the fray to produce a play. We happily disregarded the fact that we never had the minimal amount of time necessary to produce a play, leave alone attempting to create a successful artistic production. This play would not have been possible without the sincerest effort and cooperation of all concerned. Historical necessity is of prime importance. To be associated is the right way.



 


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