The Importance of Being Earnest-Evam Entertainment

Yesterday, 25th of December 2008 turned out to be an eventful day for me. I woke early and traveled across town to meet a team of people from Evam Entertainment that was working for the production of their play 'The Importance Of Being Earnest', an adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic. I was excited but didn't know what was in store for me. When I got there, I was greeted warmly by a friendly bunch of people, all with their heads buried in some work. Everyone had their hands full, smiles on their faces, and there was friendly banter all around. 

For me, being on a team of organizers was not new so I felt right at home. What was new to me was the way these guys treated each other and the work that they were doing. What I was surprised about was the positivity and joy that they seemed to pass on to one another and in the process, leave everyone smiling.

As I spoke to all of them, all I was feeling was a sense of belonging, the passion and excitement that these people associated with their work. The actors, backstage team, In-venue team, and everyone who was involved was vital to the success of the premiere of the play. 

At the team huddle (a big circle of about 35 odd people, holding hands), the lead actor Karthik Kumar said 'All that matters is that EVERY one present in our audience leaves the venue feeling special, feeling light, happy and with a smile on his face. That's all that matters. Not the 3 months of work, not the mistakes on stage, not the 1 month of production work, not the actors. What matters is that we remember why we're doing this. And let me remind you, we're doing this to make people happy' 

Sounds simple doesn't it? But his words spoke to me. And later on when I watched the play, I understood exactly what he'd meant when he spoke those words. Those words translated into a beautiful performance, an excellent synergy with the stage and a strong connection with the audience. Somehow, at the end of a long tiring day, it all seemed to be worth it. I'd met some of the nicest people and just like Karthik said nothing else mattered because I knew I was there to do my best to make the audience there leave smiling and wanting to come back.

It was almost as if to say, if you know WHY you're doing what you do everyday and you genuinely believe in it, the outcome will take care of itself.

Marley and Me- A review

Since I love dogs so much, I thought I'd start off with a review of this book that I just finished reading- Marley and Me by John Grogan. Its a story that touched my heart and made me smile as the author went about describing his 'wonderful' dog. Now, when i first just heard the title I thought it would be a book about this 'model' dog, straight from 'pet heaven', the perfect pet.. you know. But the book is about just the opposite. It's about Marley.. a notoriously disobedient incorrigible dog who's more than a handful! The story begins even before Marley is born and sets up the scene for us.. A newly married couple looking to learn responsibility. They decide to adopt a puppy, boy were they in for a rough ride! Marley enters their lives and turns things upside down effortlessly. His antics described so vividly, made me smile. Every time he tricked his 'dad', John, I was reminded of my own crazy bundle of fur, Tawny. The book prepares you well for the experience of raising your first dog if you don't already know. The book takes the reader through the life of Marley and his family and his crazy adventures. The author fondly recounts Marley's costly but humorous antics.  whether or not you are a "dog person", there is still a lot to laugh about and enjoy while reading this book. The memories are so personal and heart-felt that it makes you wonder why you don't have a dog or thank god that you don't have one! Personally, my favourite incident in the book is the one of Marley being kicked out of obedience school. Whats more endearing is John's resolve to get his dog the obedience diploma and his determination to train the 'worst dog in the world'.

Marley's unfailing energy is admirable but sends a whirlwind of disaster rippling around him. Yet through it all, the book points out the unconditional love Marley has for his family, and they have for him. Just as his ruinous powers appear endless, his love and loyalty know no bounds. Till the very end, Marley displays nothing but LOVE. 

I closed this book feeling overwhelmed by how much a dog can change people's lives and how much we could learn from them. To love unconditionally was my take-away from this book.

Give it a read. You'll enjoy it.