In quest of the real killer

It is the place where life’s mysteries are solved. But what happens when a church becomes the birthplace of the biggest mystery surrounding the lives of those who come to confess their sins? Confessions are supposed to lessen the guilt; but what if these land you – or the one you confide in – in deeper trouble? Above all, what if the reason driving you crazy with guilt doesn’t exist at all?

The answers to these maybe simpler than you think. But I killed Roy Maithly had other ideas in mind. While the title is as straightforward as the blunt and witty dialogues and narration, the riddle surrounding the sole identity ruling the play – Roy Maithly – is a confound one. Or so you would think before an amusing journey begins – to find out who the real murderer was.

Modestly setup stage, use of simplest props, a bunch of passionate and creative freaks, and a crazy and excited audience to cheer – all this announced the fun that lay ahead.

Curiosity stirred, the play begins on a fine but boring Sunday, when Father Tom was listening to the regular confessions. But Father Tom’s life as a dedicated follower of Jesus turns around as four people come to the church one after the other, to confess a murder. The twist comes when Roy Maithly emerges as the common victim of all four murders that according to the confessors took place at different locations but at the same time.

Interestingly, they all don’t know each other. Though Father Tom absolves all of them, including his senior Father Y (one of the confessors), he is left wondering of the various possibilities leading to such a murderous situation. As he reasons out and collects the broken pieces, he is appalled to know that the root of all the confusion – Roy Maithly – is imaginary and doesn’t exist at all!

“This is totally an out-of-the-box creation,” said Sidhant Mago, the director who played the role of Father Y in the play. Kunal Arora, who played Father Tom – the leading character after Roy Maithly – explained, “We were really excited about building a comic thriller around a person who turns out to be non-existent in the end.”

Presented by Roobaroo Theatre, the play had everyone in splits. Children were pleased too; as they came out trying to solve the riddle. “I really enjoyed the play. The suspense and humour was interesting. I don’t think Roy Maithly existed,” exclaimed a nine year old Kiana who had came with her family.