Arion & the Dolphin

Based on an ancient Greek myth, this musical play bridges traditional folklore with modern poetry. Written to be accessible to both amateur performers and professional theater troupes, it blends high artistic merit with universal emotional themes

• • Vikram Seth is a widely acclaimed Indian poet and novelist born in Calcutta in 1952. Educated at Oxford and Stanford University, he is globally famous for landmark books like A Suitable Boy and The Golden Gate. He has received multiple major cultural awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri.

The story details the life of Arion, a gifted young musician residing at the Royal Court of Corinth. While sailing back home after winning a high-stakes musical tournament in Sicily, greedy sailors attack Arion and throw him overboard to steal his prize money. Instead of drowning, his music attracts a friendly dolphin that safely carries him back to shore. Through smooth rhyming sequences, the narrative celebrates the power of art, music, greed, and the pure spiritual bond between humans and wildlife.