When we first arrived at the location of the play, we were lead in small groups onto the stage where breathtaking artwork was displayed. From a depiction of Indira Gandhi's assassination to vivid portraits of the young victims , the paintings showed it all. Just looking at the artwork sent chills up my spine. It was all so real and startling. It really brought a whole new aspect to the play. During the play, these pieces of artwork provided a backdrop that the actors referred to throughout the play. Each painting told us a story of a different child.
Although I was not alive during the ‘84 attacks, I was still able to relate to this play. I was able to sense the agony, the suffering, and the betrayal that these children faced. The way that the murderers went about killing struck this feeling of disgust in me. The murderers were not just killing, they were enjoying it and being paid as well. I also felt sympathy for the victims,as it,was their own government that had betrayed them. They were not even safe in their own home. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to the play. Whether you were there or not during the attacks, you will be able to feel the anger and the pain that these children faced as the play doesn’t just talk about the ‘84 attacks, it also appeals to the sense of humanity and sympathy as the stories of the children unravel.
I loved this play so much, and I really recommend that everyone either watches it or reads the book.
Kiran Kaur is a ninth grade student at the Flower Mound High School, TX. She is passionate about history and has a love for the arts.