The poignant memory play Seasons of Love, which traces the emotional contours of a Bengali family across continents and time, is set for a highly anticipated return to Kolkata in early 2026. The narrative, unfolding between the familiar lanes of Kolkata and the distant skies of Chicago, delves deep into how love, loss, and memory define relationships when challenged by dementia and physical separation.
A Cross-Generational Journey Across Continents
Spanning three generations, the play fluidly moves across time and geography, structured around the evocative rhythm of the four seasons. This structure mirrors the changing inner worlds of its characters as much as their shared history and heritage. The production is scheduled for six performances on January 9, 10, 11 and 16, 17, 18, 2026, offering audiences a chance to experience this reflective work at the city's esteemed Padatik Theatre.
Creative Vision and Cultural Roots
Written by Ahon Gooptu and directed by Vikram Iyengar, the play draws from a rich tapestry of shared cultural touchstones. It weaves references from Shakespeare and the timeless melodies of Rabindrasangeet with a quiet, underpinning faith in the divine. This blend creates a unique lens to examine how families desperately search for continuity and meaning amidst inevitable change and fading memories.
The play is not a sudden creation but a carefully evolved piece. It was developed between 2021 and 2023, undergoing readings and performances in Kolkata, Chicago, and New York. This international journey has shaped its narrative, making its return to Kolkata in 2026 the latest iteration of a work that profoundly reflects on themes of homesickness, the tensile strength of intergenerational ties, and the fragile, human act of holding on—to people, to memories, and to each other.
Why This Play Resonates Today
In an era where families are often dispersed globally and conversations around aging and mental health are coming to the fore, Seasons of Love tackles universally relatable themes. It goes beyond a simple story to ask complex questions about identity, legacy, and what remains when memory begins to fade. The play's exploration of dementia adds a layer of poignant urgency, making it a significant theatrical commentary on contemporary familial and social challenges.
The upcoming 2026 staging in Kolkata represents a homecoming for a play that has already touched audiences across the world. It promises to be a powerful, thought-provoking experience for theatre-goers, offering a mirror to the emotional landscapes that define the modern Indian family, stretched between tradition and migration, memory and loss.
