TALK OF THE TOWN

HT CITY Nov. 2005

Making a difference to HIV patients

"Muskaan" conceived and directed by Lushin Dubey promises to be a play with a difference. To be staged in the Capital on November 4 and 5 at the India Habitat Centre basement, the proceeds from the sale of tickets will be donated to children and women living with HIV.

Speaking about what went into the making of the play and how it was conceived, Lushin explains: "The play is an extension of my own journey of knowing and interacting with people living with HIV. It all started with a chance meeting with Indira Sandaliya, who lives in Washington D.C. where I staged my play 'Untitled' on women empowerment and Pinki Virani's 'Bitter Chocolate' on child sexual abuse. Indira, who had been working in the area of HIV for a long time, enquired what I was doing next and suggested that I do something on the topic of HIV. Upon my return to India, I found myself picking up books and delving into articles about HIV and later held several interactive meeting with people effected with HIV."

The play, then, according to Lushin, is an attempt to express some of the experiences that she has brought along with her during her interaction with people living with HIV. "In the play I have tried to bring out some of the best moments spent with my new friends living with HIV, hoping that this would also bring them joy and happiness," says Lushin. "For helping me put together my play, I most of all also want to thank children, women and men living with HIV who allowed me into their lives.

The play is being staged under the banner of theatre World that has to its credit several productions and 'Muskaan' is the latest - BINDU SHAJAN PERAPPADAN