On Stage with Morrie

Meera Khurana has, unwittingly, acquired the tag of a theatre director who presents literary works on stage. After directing stage productions of The Mystery of the Pantomime Cat and Rebecca, based on books by Enid Blyton and Daphne du Maurier respectively, her latest is Tuesdays With Morrie. This new play is a dramatic adaptation of Mitch Albom's bestselling book by the same name.

Meera blames her choice of projects on her love for literature. Her son Akarsh, who spearheads the activities of Mumbai-based theatre group Akvarious Productions, knows she loves the book. That's why he made this tempting offer that she says she could not decline. The play, produced by Mumbai's National Centre for Performing Arts, in collaboration with Akvarious Productions, premiered a week ago.

Tuesdays With Morrie is an autobiographical account of the relationship the journalist-author shared with his sociology college professor. "This story will appeal to all age-groups and we can follow its philosophies in our day-to-day lives," says Meera. Despite being familiar with the content, directing the play was dotted with several discoveries. "New perspectives have emerged during rehearsals," she says.

Interestingly, the play is almost a family affair with Meera's husband Akash, a popular character actor in movies, and younger son Adhaar playing the lead characters in it. "Being directed by Meera is no strange experience," says Akash and adds, "I have been directed by her for most part of my life."

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