Sightsavers India touches hearts of Bangalore with the play ‘A Walk in the Woods’

Sightsavers India brought the renowned play ‘A Walk in the Woods’, directed by Ratna Pathak Shah, for the Indian audiences in Bangalore on June 30th, 2018.

The Indian adaptation of the play by Lee Blessing featured Naseeruddin Shah and Rajit Kapur as a Pakistani and an Indian diplomat who meet in Geneva to discuss a proposal that might ease the tension between the two countries and carve a peaceful and progressive way forward. By organizing this event, Sightsavers aims to raise money to help the people with visual impairment and other disabilities.

As part of Sightsavers commitment towards the local communities, the proceeds from the ticket sales will be contributed to Sightsavers programs that cater to people with visual impairments, disabilities and children in the marginalized communities. Sightsavers purpose is to prevent avoidable blindness and fight for disability rights in a responsible way.

Speaking on the initiative, RN Mohanty, Chief Executive Officer said, “We are hopeful that with the money received from the event we will be able to positively impact the lives of people with disabilities. We are grateful to be associated with a play like ‘A Walk in the Woods’ and such exemplary personalities that Ratna Pathak Shah, Naseeruddin Shah and Rajit Kapur are. At Sightsavers India, we are committed to such initiatives that help in having a greater impact on the community we live and work in.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ratna Pathak Shah, Director of the play said, “I truly appreciate the efforts taken by Sightsavers India for giving us a platform to showcase the relevance of the play to the Indian audience. The play has special relevance in present times, and is a clash of two opposing points of view and agenda. The balance shifts constantly and in the process the two men discover themselves. As far as the theme of the play goes, I feel it transcends the political and finally we can all see ourselves in it – all of us who have been on two opposing sides of an argument. The next generation will hopefully be able to shun the myopic, egoistical posturing that has existed so far and look for real solutions. This idea needs to be reinforced and not to forget the support from Sightsavers in showcasing this precious story to the Indian audience, especially the Bangalore audience. I feel vindicated when I see that 75% of the audience is under the age group of 40. I want to believe in the future.”