AFVOA Newletter August 2020

Section 6 – eConnect Reviews CV 2 No. 02 / 2020 Page 188 of 237 a massive hangover that prevented him from participating in the play post the interval and how that situation was managed by two other actors that included himself, and a second incident when a chair broke when Shri YGP sat on it. The presence of mind needed by the actors on stage to manage such unexpected situations clearly came to the fore. The crowning glory of his experiences shared today is that of a stand-in actor, who as a Doctor needed to inform his patient that he (the patient) has ‘cancer in his blood’. Not quite adept in the English language, the stand-in actor practiced this piece of dialogue (cancer in his blood) religiously for more than 15 days. He used it in all conversations, with all people, in all emotions, just to make sure that he does not slip up on his English delivery on stage. The next play was being staged in Pondicherry. Sensing the presence of largely Tamil speaking attendees among the audience, just before the play began, Shri Y Gee M had advised this actor to say his piece of the dialogue in Tamil. It was an unadulterated disaster when the actor, clearly unable to shake off the days and days of training of his mind, announced to the patient ‘ உங்க ரத்தத்திலபளட்இருக்கு ’ which loosely translates as ‘You have blood in your blood’. The riotous laughter from the audience in a supposedly serious part of the play forced UAA to lower the curtains and do it all over again! Shri Y Gee M repeatedly asserted his respect for the Armed Forces and has offered to stage a show for us after the lockdown restrictions go away. On the Association’s part, the President thanked Shri Y Gee M for his time and the lively, delightful interaction. Shri Y Gee M spoke to us as though he had known us all for years. While we have only known his tall professional standing, our interaction with him today broadened our horizon to showcase his humility, humane nature, approachability and what a socially conscious theatre personality that he is. A true celebrity in more ways than one! At 68, UAA is a banyan tree that took roots, thriving on the blood and sweat of Shri YGP initially and now Shri Y Gee M. To nurture and retain classy artists for long would have had its own challenges but only companionable, true leadership could have achieved it. Our corporates could learn a lesson or two from UAA as an institution and Shri Y Gee M as its Leader par excellence. The AFVOA would look forward to its continued association with him. Let us, in our true military style, raise a toast for the eternal success of UAA and Shri Y Gee M. Cheers! Preceded by a circulation of easy-to-use tutorials on the use of ZOOM in the last two days, the new normal of a virtual group meeting of the members of AFVOA got underway by 10:30 am. It began formally at 11 am. It was a bit disappointing to see a low attendance but at the same time, it was heartening to see the attendees taking to