And it is all that and more. From the language to the imaginative plot -- the two-act play is set in two different frames: one in 1461 AD in England, against the backdrop of the wars of York and Lancaster; the other in contemporary Ireland. The 15th century tale revolves around Lord Goodrig (Gerson daCunha), his daughter Isabel (Kitu Gidwani), mistress Jane (Dolly Thakore) and the thief Arthur (Sood himself). Simultaneously, the play is about four people -- played by the same four actors -- in Ireland. The first act ends with the four actors fleeing from an attacking army and the second tale also ends with them running from warring Irish factions. "The contemporary story is embedded in the Shakespearean story and the second story has echoes in the first."

He is equallyclear that he will not compromise. Right from the length of his play reading -- nearly two hours in duration -- to his creative freedom of expression. "Art by its definition is not commercial. Artistic expression is first and foremost a communication with the aesthetic world."

But if the 29-year-old displays no bitterness or weariness it is because he has been back in India for less than a year. In that period the PhD from Emory University, Atlanta, has already had two works enacted -- The Man of Man at the Prithvi Festival, in Delhi and Contract. And if the audience response to The Gossamer Gyre is good, he may get a chance to stage his work by August. "The play is not just for Indian audiences, it is for all English-speaking people. I've even written a play in English and French where if you understand one language, you can follow the other."

Yes, The Gossamer Gyre is beautifully crafted, well written and easy to understand. But is it what the city's audience is looking for?With very few people writing in English and even fewer interested in good theatre -- Liar Liar is a case in point where a demand for base humour by the lowest common denominator is met -- is Mumbai ready for a play that does not even touch Indian shores? May be Sujay's confidence will win the day.

The Gossamer Gyre by Sujay Sood. An English play reading at the Audio Visual Room, NCPA. On May 6. Time: 6:30 pm.