The first day of the 15th edition of Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest was one for the books as literati from across the globe joined the celebration of all things literature. From thought-provoking panels to intellectually nourishing debates, the first day saw an interesting line-up of activities. But the final act of the day was a re-energising immersive theatre experience with ‘The Gods The Gods The Gods’ by Wright&Grainger.
The 12-track gig theatre comprised four stories running parallel as the trio, Alexander Wright, Phil Grainger, and Megan Drury, bring the gods down to a London caff. Zeus, Theseus, and others are facing a faith crisis, and obsolescence is on the horizon. Two young lovers’ budding romance is affected as their love for each other begins to fade. A woman is grieving the loss of her partner under a sky of stars with his ashes beside her. A young bloke finds himself on the Millennium Bridge contemplating death as buskers sing at the setting sun.
The three celebrated storytellers wove a beautiful musical piece together, leaving the audience with an exhilarating experience. It posed important questions: Are gods still there as humans desperately seek answers in the moments of precarious love, clouding grief, and grim depression? What can the divine offer the humans who have lost faith in its existence, bereft of hope?
The answers were unearthed over an hour-long performance of the powerful spoken word, basslines, and elevated melodies, evoking a gamut of emotions. The Experimental Theatre at NCPA became an open stage for both the audience and the performers to be engulfed in the glory of stories that equal the the power above.
Supported by the British Council and performed by Alexander Wright, Phil Grainger, and Megan Drury, the show acted as a compass for humans to find the meaning of life in the people who surround us. It divorces faith from reasoning; as in the last song, Megan narrates how something that is now proved was once only imagined, only believed. The performance triumphantly amalgamated words and music to create hope, making the audience believe in the attainment of the divine.
The Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest, presented by Godrej Industries Group, in association with NCPA and powered by Kotak, returned for its 15th edition this year at the NCPA. The much-loved festival is a celebration of literary excellence, recognised as one of the most iconic arts festivals in India.