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This is an archive article published on May 28, 2015

Write Kind of Love

George and Lee-Alison Sibley to present Love Letters, A R Gurney's original script of Tumhari Amrita

Tumhari Amrita, Shabana Azmi, Farooq Sheikh, Love letters, Lee-Alison Sibley, A R Gurney, American playwrite, Talk Lee-Alison Sibley who will act alongside her husband in the play.

Tumhari Amrita will never be the same again, for Farooq Sheikh is no more. With Shabana Azmi opposite him, Sheikh had brought alive the story of two people who were destined to meet but never be together. The two characters sit on stage — their tables and chairs being the only props — and read from letters they have written to each other since they were young children. Against the minimal action, lighting, music and sets, the play becomes the expression of its script. This week, Delhi audiences will get to experience the original text of Tumhari Amrita as Love Letters by American playwright A R Gurney is presented on stage. The two roles will be played by George Sibley, Minister-Counselor for Economic, Environment, Science and Technology Affairs at the US embassy, and actor Lee-Alison Sibley (in the picture), his wife.

“We have left the script “as is” — there is no need to adapt it to modern times and concerns — it isn’t primarily about social problems, it is about relationships and the joys and tragedies that can be experienced in the course of a friendships that last through several decades,” says Lee-Alison. She plays Melissa Gardner who meets Andrew Makepeace Ladd III as a child. As their lives converge and diverge — she becomes an artist with a wild head and heart, and he grows up more conventionally to enter the US senate — they continue to pour their hearts out in letters. “The two see each other quite a bit through the years of the relationship, especially while they are growing up and they react to their visits though letters. The important element of the play is that they seem to need each other because they are different and fulfill in each other what the other one is lacking. Together they find balance,” she adds.

Lee-Alison  has several degrees in performance and has acted and sung on stage across the world. George trained with the National Shakespeare Conservatory before his foreign service career took over. Together, they have entertained audiences in Indonesia, Nepal, Madagascar and India. “There is a certain chemistry between a husband and wife that is indeed special and we hope it will shine through in Love Letters,” adds Lee-Alison.

Love Letters will be performed at the American Center on May 28. Contact: 23472000

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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