CUPERTINO, CA: Not only did the play, “Soundwaves: Noor Inayat Khan” at the De Anza Center for Performing Arts in Cupertino inform us about the passion of Noor, it highlighted the passion of Vinita Sud Belani, the director of the play, and of Enacte Arts, for telling compelling stories in a meaningful way.
A lesser known war tale of a Sufi Muslim artist’s complex journey bookended by the cocoon of a cozy home and the espionage riddled ravages of World War II, spans thirty complex years of young Noor’s life and is presented as a joyous celebration. The story is deftly spun by Joe Martin, the playwright, based upon true depictions elsewhere, with the help of actors who are required to make up for the minimalist sets, dancers, multi-media projections, lighting changes and haunting music.
The audience is pulled into her life by Leo Marks, the narrator Sean Thornton, who seems bemused, curious and saddened by the unfolding drama as regular authentic slides projected in the backdrop provided a real time feel to the events. As Noor’s trainer in the Allied Powers himself, he recognizes her coded S.O.S as her end nears and she is caught at the hands of the enemy.
The graceful Noor transforms from a carefree young lady studying music and psychology, writing and directing children’s plays, to one with a greater purpose to serve; rejecting a chance to settle down and get married; to answer to a higher calling in the shape of the first female Special Operations Executive (SOE), as a radio transmitter in German occupied France.
Being of a royal descent, of artistic bent of mind, born to mixed parentage, and living in England, she stood up for her courage of convictions in a war that was not even hers to fight! Yet, as is true with most war heroes, she had a sense of the global situation that compelled her to seek a position with MI6 and kept sending mission critical messages to London.
Curiously, she heeded the teachings of her spiritual Sufi father and refused to lie even when interrogated and tortured, or to give up names of crucial team members. Her betrayal by a known person delivers a blow, yet Noor keeps her wits about and shines through as a hero, giving the ultimate sacrifice of her life, after weeks of torture.
Some candid audience reactions that were caught: “better than I expected”; “story is compelling, but could have been better executed”; another patron marveled at the sheer effort and stamina to stage a live play.
One of the engaging moments in the production was the brief, but sweet monkey dance, with the monkey king, David Le, leaping and gyrating straight to our hearts, weaving a tale whose relevance and importance is subtly conveyed. Vinita’s attention to detail with heavily French-accented English dialogues delivered an authentic flavor, confusing even folks who speak French, including moi!
Randy Armstrong’s compassion and heart is seen in the compositions he created for each scenic transition….not overpowering, but understated, keeping with the mood of Noor’s stirring sacrifice.
The casting was superbe, and each role seemed crafted for the character playing it.
Noor lived and died by her Sufi beliefs, an anchoring facet of her life that somehow did not become obvious on stage, until it was discussed by the panel at “Talk Back”, after the play! Noor’s many accomplishments that made her a master of her craft were revealed in fleeting moments and deserved a greater emphasis to enhance the perspective.
A brief chat with Akaina, who carries Noor to the hilt, highlighted why it was important to develop Noor’s passion for storytelling and the monkey tale from the Jataka because every small sacrifice serves a greater good, another one of Noor’s beliefs.
It is obvious that such a layered tale requires complex thought and discussions the morning after as Vinita desired, and believed that “art is not art unless a certain amount of activism is involved”. I am sure many an audience member tossed and turned at night after witnessing the incredible journey of the pacifist Sufi musician who chose a dangerous life of espionage.
In today’s times we cannot rest on our laurels and wish away the perils of the world; rather, we need to work towards creating a world where, at least the specter of war no longer threatens our doorstep.
Archana Asthana
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