Pune Citygritty

Original but wantingThe concept was certainly novel as was the presentation. Woody's Men, a one-man show based on the works of American acto...

Original but wanting

The concept was certainly novel as was the presentation. Woody’s Men, a one-man show based on the works of American actor-director Woody Allen, with interpretations by author and playwright R Raj Rao, held the promise of an entertaining show. Put up by the Theatre People, at the Namdeo Sabhagriha, University of Pune, the play was more of an informal presentation of four different characters culled from Allen’s books, Side Effects and Without Feathers.The performance began with Afzal Ali Baig introducing the unique concept to the audience before slipping effortlessly into the role of the first Allen character, Virgil Ives, a professional burglar, who in typical Allen-style irony, has learnt the tricks of the trade at a reform school. This was juxtaposed with an interpretation of the character from the point of view of a New York Police Department cop, who has been at the receiving end of the burglar’s exploits. The effect is hilarious.

The second studypresented a man reminiscing about his friend – an eccentric professor called Needleman (who, among other things, escapes from Nazi Germany dressed ingeniously as a bush!) – was followed by an observation of this character as seen by Needleman’s ghost. The interpretation, which amounted to a biting personal attack on Woody Allen himself, would perhaps have been more effective had it been in the same witty spirit as Allen’s.

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The third interpretation of the character of a New York street crazy, who was once a clever surgeon till through an operation he transplants the head of his intelligent wife on the body of his beautiful mistress, though funny, lacked the necessary punch.

What could have been an amusing portrayal of the fourth character, a civil disobedience demonstrator, was however marred by Baig fumbling through his dialogues. The effort of alternating between the Allen character and the interpretations that followed began to show towards the end.

The stage setting was effective, with each study setin the four corners of the stage. The lighting, though, was inadequate so that at times one could not see the character’s expressions. The experimental one-and-a-half-hour performance, though commendable, did not exploit the potential inherent in the unique presentation.

Two heads better than one!

Heads are definitely safer these days at the College of Military Engineering. Not only is it compulsory for the officers riding their bikes to don a helmet, it is the same for the pillion-rider as well. Strict rules have been laid out in the campus following the death of a helmetless young officer a fortnight ago. In fact, if you happen to be one of those hapless outsiders entering the area sans the protective gear, the only solution is to deposit Rs 400 with the guard at the entrance whilst he gives you a helmet on loan for Rs 10. The deposit will be returned once you finish your business within the campus. Most residents have welcomed this safety move, while others feel it’s a trifle inconvenientbecause if caught the vehicle is confiscated for 14 days. Nonetheless, this is a laudable step and will go a long way in ensuring the safety of CME’s residents.