By Shweta Arora

Shunya presents, in cooperation with Stages Repertory Theatre, Bricks and Lyrics, a play in English written by Abhijat Joshi and directed by Soham Mehta.   The play will run from August 19 to September 4 at Stages Repertory Theatre.

Bricks and Lyrics is a human drama that contrasts the idealism of pre-independence India with the compromised morality of today.  Set in Gujarat, the play begins with Sanjay, a builder, who sets out to acquire the house of Sandhya, a former freedom fighter and the widow of the poet Anaamik.  At first unyielding, Sandhya strikes a deal with Sanjay.   In exchange for the house, Sanjay must resurrect the memory of her deceased husband and his forgotten poetry.  Sanjay’s search for the poet’s lost work takes him on a journey of epic proportions stretching across the span of modern Indian history.  “This is a play people will be talking about for a long time.  And even after they stop talking, they will still think about the characters and reflect on the story,” says Mehta.

Joshi, an accomplished screenwriter and playwright, has written for such films as Mission Kashmir and Kareeb.   His beautifully crafted story, Bricks and Lyrics, encompasses all elements of life, including ambition, humor, religion, guilt, love, and loss.  Sanjay learns about himself through the past, and we travel on the journey with him.  Bricks and Lyrics was nominated for the David Mark Cohen New Play Award at the Austin Theatre Critics Table 2000-2001.

Shunya is a non-profit theatre troupe dedicated to providing a platform for South Asian American artists.  Since its inception three years ago, the troupe is becoming well known for its creative and cutting edge plays, bringing the South Asian community to the forefront in providing entertainment in Houston.  Mehta, founder of Shunya says, “One of our goals has always been to make Indian theatre an integral part of the Houston theatre landscape.  Our production of Bricks and Lyrics, a incredibly moving script, takes us one step closer.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.tickets2events.com.  Friday and Saturday performances are $13 in advance. Tickets for the matinee Sunday performances are $10 in advance. All tickets are $15 at the door.  Order opening weekend tickets by August 14 and get one ticket free for every ticket purchased.  Parental caution is advised for this play due to language. For more information about Shunya Theatre contact info@shunytheatre.org or log on to www.shunyatheatre.org.