It was a solitary figure who held centre stage – no props, no background music, no dramatisation aided his cause. His only weapon was his narration. There was pin-drop silence through most of the performance, interspersed only by mild ripples of laughter from the audience. Everybody listened in rapt attention, struck by the beautiful words and the artiste’s brilliant diction. The presentation lasted for nearly two hours. And was followed by thunderous claps. The man bowed humbly and then vanished. The performance still lingers…

Renu Setna was the sole protagonist performing Khalil Gibran’s well-acclaimed work, The Prophet. It was Karachi-born Setna’s 250th performance. The show was staged at the Holiday Inn on the evening of October 8 as part of the supper theatre package produced by Anurag Agarwal and organised by Buzzz Productions.

The Prophet has been brought to India from London by Buzzz for an all-India tour, with Pune being the first halt. The first show of this theatrical presentation, which has been devised by Setna from Gibran’s famous book, was held about 11 years ago.

The Prophet was not only a different but also an enlightening experience, infused as the narration was with life’s philosophy. With Setna holding forth, composed, calm yet delightful, the audience was made familiar with the prophet’s words of wisdom, words that promise a life full of dignity and charm, devoid of hypocrisy and stress.

Dressed in black, wearing knee-length pants, Setna addressed the audience with such lucidity that the prophet’s words did not seem alien to their ears. Life, death, marriage, ageing, wealth, good and evil – in fact, everything that often becomes a cause of conflict in our lives was dealt with. It was a message to all of us – to shed off pettiness, hypocrisy, short-time pleasures, desires, anger, avarice and to become epitomes of happiness instead, which only happens when we become one with nature. When our heart is free, it is the radiance of truth and honesty that is reflected on our face. And this brings immense joy in living. These words rang in the ears of those seated listening.

This performance was followed by a well-spread buffet dinner, but Setna had already given enough food for thought. Enough to last for many days to come!