←Recommendations of A Passage To India

The command of the language is as elegant as the prose of the source material and moves to a brilliant exploration of subtext—the subtext Forster wished he might have written but dared not—making Doug DeVita's adaptation (reimagining) of "Passage to India" a wonderful, compelling play for the modern stage. The direct address is both intimate and effective. The play's timeliness is also remarkable, considering the repression of love might take different forms today, but is just as much in danger now as then. Viva De Vita!

DeVita's reworking of the classic novel is both bold and deeply respectful. The story is streamlined, but the piece foregrounds some stunning details to enhance our understanding of the characters. The depiction of the Aziz/Fielding relationship is the heart of the piece, and it is truly wonderful to hear these characters speak so authentically and intimately. DeVita includes a forceful critique of colonialism and depicts how it saps the spirit of all involved. A Passage to India for our time.

Doug DeVita boldly brings E. M. Forster’s repressed subtext to the surface, with a fresh, exciting Passage to India that crackles with intrigue, longing, heartbreak, and rage. Thanks to a storytelling narrative device, much of Forster’s gorgeous prose remains, as do the colonial tensions, tender connections, misunderstandings, and outright betrayals that make this story so irresistible — all brought into a sharper focus. Where Forster had to insinuate, DeVita can shout; the result is thrilling.

DeVita's adaptation of this beloved classic turns its lens openly on subjects EM Forster was only able, in his time, to hint at. I believe he would be proud, especially with its more satisfying conclusion; and Forster purists will be enchanted with its warm, steamy --through its evocative imagery -- and inviting narrative style. Bravo.

What really makes this adaptation feel so fresh is the Aziz/Fielding relationship. It gives the story a whole new emotional heartbeat while still honoring Forster’s original. Doug DeVita writes so confidently across genres, and it really shows here: the piece is sharp, moving, inventive, and beautifully theatrical without ever feeling overly reverent or derivative. Highly recommend.