Love Letters by Evam (2007)

Love Letters is a play by A.R.Gurney, and has been adapted very well by Evam.

Love Letters is a simple story: Andy (Karthik) and Melissa (Suchithra) have been friends since childhood, and throughout their lives they have kept in touch by letter. Even though they see each other rarely, this correspondence links them to each other no matter how much distance may separate them or how much time passes. It's an unlikely friendship: Andy is dutiful, responsible, endearingly stuffy, but caring and contemplative. Melissa is the free spirit, the rebel, the outspoken wild girl whose extroverted behavior doesn't quite hide her vulnerability. In part because of their differences, in part because of bad timing and circumstance, they never manage to make things work as a couple, but even as they marry others and start their own families, they rely on each other's letters as a source of comfort, support, and love.

There are only two people on stage, sitting at a table and reading to each other from a bunch of letters, and the play works precisely beacuse of this.

If you have any reservations about the chain-letter aspect of the evening, just dont bother...The two characters connect so well. As one actor reads, the other reacts, communicating fathoms beneath the words, especially so in the case of Suchi, who gives her character surprising richness. When Karthik reads a particularly self-serving account of his academic accomplishments, her face moves from bemusement to boredom to chagrin. She can scarcely wait for the letter to end so that she can offer her criticism of his literary style and of his lack of self-knowledge.

Similarly, as Suchi describes her casual romantic alliances, one can see in Karthik's expressions his disapproval along with his curiosity. As opposites, each provides the other with what is needed. The irony is that they do not understand this until late in life. These are, in fact, star-crossed love letters. The play concludes on a poignant note, as we realize that the letters - the root of their lifelong relationship - are actually the instrument that keeps them apart.

Karthik & Suchi walking across the stage a couple of times, depicting the crossover in their lives & thinking is well thought out.

Suchi and Karthik have a huge responsibility for the success or failure of this play, and they carry the burden with apparent ease. Both deliver nuanced, compelling performances and make us care deeply about these people, as different as they are. We get to see how they change, develop, grow closer together, and yet somehow never manage to be on the same page romantically. The story of their lives is riddled with near misses, bad timing, and complications, but ultimately we get the sense that their long-distance relationship is stronger and more enduring than any physical relationship could be.

The theme music is excellent, and lighting adds the special touch to the play...especially the silhoutte lighting!

Love Letters is a treat that romantics and fans of literate, well-written dramas should eat up with a spoon. It has both wit and heart, and at its core are two excellent performances. Love Letters is simply lovely.

Rating: 7.5 / 10