26 April,2010 09:08 AM IST | | Ishita Sharma
The Gandhian values of Ahimsa and Satyagraha find representation in an American Broadway musical being showcased for the first time in the country. The guide finds the connection
What's outer peace without inner peace? Rhetorical, you might say, but in a world torn apart by wars and bloodbath, all you strive for is utmost peace with yourself, before hoping for a peaceful life outside. Forty years ago, a rock musical was performed in New York City to spread this message and put a stop to wars --the performers called this the outer revolution.
Hair and Now: Stills from the musical
Now, the same musical is being performed again, but with a difference: the message now is inner revolution, since there can be no global peace without inner peace. One that mergesu00a0 Gandhi's philosophies with the American style of living, and realises that both can co-exist peacefully.
On Claude nine
'Hair' dates back to 1967, with screenplay and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni, and music by Galt Mac Dermot. It tells the story of the 'tribe', a group of politically active, long-haired hippies living a Bohemian life in New York City and fighting against the Vietnam War. Claude, his good friend Berger, their roommate Sheila and their friends struggle to balance their young lives, loves and the sexual revolution with their rebellion against the war and their conservative elders and society. Ultimately, the youngsters face the dilemma of what to do and what not.
The desi coming
In the capital, the musical boasts of an ensemble cast including Ankur Sabharwal, Samara Chopra, Antoine Redon, Rajeev Khat, Arjya Majumdar and Tritha Sinha. "Today, the message of Hair remains as relevant as it was in the Seventiesu00a0-- love, peace, joy and happinessu00a0-- but the means to reach them have been adapted to the 21st century," signs off Antoine Redon, producer. Hair-raising, we assure.
Hair
When: Today and Tomorrow
Where: Magique - Amphitheatre, Gate No 1Garden of 5 Senses,Said-ul-Ajaib
Time: 7.30 pm onwards
