International one-act plays to come alive on Indian stage

A mother's tireless battles for her disabled son's rights and inspiring triumphs, and portrayals of racial discrimination in today's times are some themes that artistes will touch upon during the solo theatre festival that begins here Oct 9.

The second edition of "Going Solo" festival will be held over three weeks in four cities: Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Mumbai, a statement said Wednesday.

British theatre actors Guy Masterson, Robert Softley and Jaye Griffiths will be performing the one-act plays and touching upon issues through their monologues.

The Delhi leg will begin with "Shylock", a character from Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice", about whose personality it has always been argued whether he was a victim or a villain? Masterson will delve into these contradictory aspects through his performance.

The same day, "Don't Wake me Up" will see Griffiths wearing hats of many characters in a story revolving around a mother's tireless battles and inspiring triumphs in her struggle for her disabled son's rights.

"It is a story of severe disability, of battles won against all odds, of struggles, challenges and the frustrations of being misunderstood. But above all, it is a story of a mother-son relationship unlike any other," said the statement.

Gale would perform on the concluding day, Oct 11, in "If These Spasms Could Speak" where he will crawl onstage to give the audience information on his life and those of others who have a disability. He would take the audience through dealing with his life, his growing up and intersperse this with the views of others.

The festival will conclude in Mumbai Oct 22.