New Delhi, March 22 -- A small group of Shakers looking for a piece of land to base their operation are lost in the wild. By nightfall, the oldest, Hocknell (David Cale), seems to take leave of his senses, mumbling to himself as he rocks on his feet. His companions find him doing the same in the morning. But then the index finger on his left hand starts to tremble. It darts this way and that, Hocknell pulled excitedly with it. Soon, he's running through the forest, his finger pointing the way, singing "I am searching, I am led" in a strained high voice. His men run after him, also singing over a din of clanging and churning instruments. He finally collapses in a heap in a field. It's a deeply strange musical number.

Even today, the worth...