Although the cast is anchored by the most adored Rosemary Harris (Elinor Swan), this cast is littered with talent of all sorts and cultures - most notably Firdoug Bamji (Nirad Das) and Romola Garai (Flora Crewe). Mr. Stoppard is not known for brevity or simplicity and Mr Bamji, Ms Garai (and the entire cast) does not disappoint over the long haul of this magical tale effortlessly criss-crossing 2 time periods weaving its story.
The magic is both that of the Indian culture during the colonial days (1930's) and that of the mystery of memory and recollection in 1980's England. Mr. Stoppard waves a tale replete with love and intrigue as well as a bit of a history lesson about the British and colonial India.
The full 3 hours is consumed with flashbacks, explanations, exposition, culture and mystery. A challenge both intellectually as well as theatrically, Roundabout and this fine cast adeptly transverses the time periods with effortless aplomb. While you may not catch all the Indian culture names and references, you will certainly follow the essence of the poem to two lovers and the trail of their memories years later.
