Neil Bhoopalam is bound to a chair, as Ira Dubey holds a gun to his head. Sounds like a fracas that got out of hand, but those are scenes from the rehearsal of Bruce Guthrie’s latest production, Death and The Maiden. An adaptation of Ariel Dorfman’s 1990 psychological thriller, the play has parallels to A Clockwork Orange or Hitchcock’s Third Man, says Guthrie. Exciting as that sounds, the text proved a challenge to ensure a safe emotional space for actors, as they explore such deeply traumatised characters.

Ira Dubey in a moment from the rehearsal. Pics Courtesy/NCPA