A powerhouse performance

An adaptation of the award-winning play by Ira Lewis which was performed on Broadway by Al Pacino, 'Chinese Coffee' was staged in Hyderabad as part of Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation's 'Theatre Weekend'.

The packed to capacity Ballroom at Radisson Blu Plaza erupted in laughter and catharsis while watching the riveting dark comedy unfold. Actors Danish Husain and Vrajesh Hirjee were a perfect foil to each other, as two warring friends and artistes.

The play, originally set in New York City, was adapted to Delhi mileu by director Danish Husain, with references of Jama Masjid and Nahari. The two actors exploded on stage with their powerhouse performances, leaving the audience breathless and hanging on every word.

Hirjee was a virtuoso as the failed and broke writer Harry and Husain as the eloquent and exasperated photographer Yakub who owes the former money and is driving him up the wall by not reading his manuscript. The play touched on all aspects of the lives of two middle-aged unsuccessful artistes and drew on the complexities of a friendship tinged by jealousy.