Collaborations crucial for theatre: Shernaz Patel

By Siddhi Jain

New Delhi, Jan 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) After enthralling her audiences with her roles in films like 'Black' and 'Guzaarish, film and theatre actor Shernaz Patel, is all set to play Jiloo Mistry, a 76-year-old single woman living alone in Goa, in the Indian adaptation of a play based on an Agatha Christie mystery.

Christie's popular novel, 'The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side', has been adapted for theatre in the UK, and is recreated by the NCPA by director Melly Still and reimagined for an Indian audience by Ayeesha Menon. It stars Shernaz Patel, Sonali Kulkarni and Denzil Smith.

The much-awaited play titled 'The Mirror Crack'd' premiers on January 30 in Mumbai, with shows running till February 9.

Asked what she thought of Agatha Christie's story being adapted for the Indian stage, Patel said that it is a first and she is intrigued as to how such a British writer could be adapted to an Indian setting.

"It's amazing how seamlessly this story has been adapted and how well it works," she told IANSlife.

Her character, Jiloo Mistry, is based on Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. "She is such an iconic character. What I like about this adaptation is that she is a three dimensional character - a very real woman coping with ageing and loneliness, but she is so bright and hungry for stimulation. And definitely not a 'little old lady'."

"In terms of preparation I have done research on Miss Marple. And with Melly's superb guidance I have tried to make her my own. Which is most important."

Last year, Patel had mentioned a "cross-pollination" of talent as international theatre-makers collaborate with the Indian artists - something which comes alive in 'The Mirror Crack'd'.

"As an actor you want to be continuously challenged and you want to keep growing. Besides, the world is getting smaller and I think when different worlds come together. something exciting gets created."

Adding that she has learnt much from the play directors, she called the rehearsal process fabulous and enriching. "Such endeavours must be encouraged more and more. We all grow.We all learn. This is crucial for our theatre."

Although Indian audiences have not seen many crime and mystery thrillers, Patel feels it is an engaging genre. Besides, "who doesn't love a great whodunnit!"

Patel is the artistic director of Aadyam, a theatre initiative by the Aditya Birla Group and is working on its next season of Aadyam, along with a talent contest for the Parsi community, which kicks off next month.

(Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@ians.in)

Source: IANS