Play name: Enchantment
Director: Gowri Ramnarayan Review: One might enter Enchantment expecting to learn about the life and achievements of sitar maestro Pt Ravi Shankar. But while his global legacy is well documented, what often remains less explored is the man behind it, with his doubts, regrets and struggles. Written and directed by Gowri Ramnarayan, Enchantment is an immersive portrayal of the inner world of Ravi Shankar with a blend of live dance and music by Bombay Jayashri , Aditya Prakash and Vignesh Ishwar. Yohan Chacko, as Ravi Shankar, is immaculate. He captures the maestro’s mannerisms, body language, accent, humour, wit and emotional shifts with remarkable ease. His portrayal is restrained yet expressive, allowing the character’s vulnerabilities to emerge without becoming overly dramatic. Aarabi Veeraraghavan makes for a compelling narrator, guiding the audience through the different phases of the musician’s life. Anjana Anand and G Narendra contribute through movement, adding visual richness to the production, while the music and dance lend it much of its charm. Watch it for an immersive blend of theatre, music and dance, and for a thoughtful glimpse into the life of one of India’s most loved musical legends.