Join us for Ebrahim Alkazi: Holding Time Captive - a dramatic reading, conversation, and book signing. Renowned Indian theater director and educator Amal Allana discusses her biography of her late father, Ebrahim Alkazi: Holding Time Captive, a book tracing the quintessential identity of the father of modern Indian theatre, Ebrahim Alkazi. 

A 30-minute dramatic reading of the book with actors Joy Sengupta and Sonam Kalra is followed by a lively and thought-provoking conversation with author Allana, distinguished theater director and educator Richard Schechner and eminent art historian and Asia Society President Emerita Vishakha Desai. The program explores the intersection of visual and performing arts in Alkazi's life and legacy, as well as his experiences and impact in America. 

Books will be available for sale and signing after the event.

The book is as much personal as it is an important historical perspective on the sociopolitical landscape of the India that Alkazi lived through. This juxtaposition offers valuable insights into the dynamics that shaped Indian society and culture. That is equally important as Alkazi’s own churnings about his craft―the introduction of movement over mere vocal gymnastics, the contemplations of stage design, the debate between style and form...this is a worthy read that captures adequately the movement of time―both in the moment and as an act of leaving a legacy behind.

In that, it is a story that must be told, and must be understood.

Pooja Awasthi, The Week

This program is co-presented with Sotheby's.