A group of artistes is staging a performance based on Mr India-starrer Nayak, and in full Bollywood flamboyance
Au00a0group of artistes is staging a performance based on Mr India-starrer Nayak, and in full Bollywood flamboyance
Our trip to the British School proved quite a lesson, so what if we didn't sit for one. The actors, busy rehearsing their opera acts, looked more like an ensemble cast rather than those from a French production house.
Presented by the Neemrana Music Foundation, 'If I Were a King' is a curtain call with a difference. With AR Rahman students lending the vocals, a half-Indian protagonist and an on-stage Indian king in an important role, the grand work has more than what it takes to top theatre.
|
|
Act II: Actors Aude Priya and Vikrant Subramanian rehearse a scene |
For Goan glory
The opera, which casts 35 musicians, an 80-member choir, 40 children and 15 dancers, is about a young fisherman, Zephoris (Phillipe Do), who is in love with Princess Nemea (Aude Priya), the cousin of Mossoul (Vikrant Subramanian) -- the king of Goa. Mossoul makes him the king of Goa for a day during which Zephoris finds out that minister Kadoor has betrayed the king by assisting the Portuguese in invading Goa. As a mark of gratitude and appreciation, Mossoul agrees to the marriage of Nemea with Zephoris.
In tuneMusic being an important part of any opera, this one has light and peppy romance in its sounds. The songs are in French, with English sub-titles running in the background. Lending their vocals to the opera is a group of seven boys from music composer AR Rahman's Chennai-based music school. "Learning French just for the sake of singing for the opera gave us an experiential high," says group-member Kalesh. With use of multiple musical instruments, this one's poised to be one big musical extravaganza.
Gown town Shopping in and around Delhi for costumes was a big task, says costume designer Dominique Pichou. "Our biggest challenge was to select costumes that would be in sync with Indian culture, and at the same time, not too orthodox.
"So, we teamed cargo pants with military shirts for the army, and lovely dresses for the princess. Every costume tries to strike the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary".
If you are still in two minds about going to this one, the final words by Neemrana Music Foundation director Francis Wacziarg should help. "This opera is perfect for those who are seeing it for the first time. We hope to build a royal base of operas in the country and 'If I were King' is like a sampler for a long list coming ahead."
French fetishes, as they say, last long.
If I were king
When: January 12, 14 and 15
Where: Siri Fort Auditorium, August Kranti Marg
Timing: 7 pm
Entry: Rs 250 onwards
