A chance to be part of Indian history

Over the years, hundreds of men and women, those born in India and elsewhere, have said that they are proud of the Indian heritage and that the country’s culture, traditions and colourful history must be promoted at every opportunity.

Such an opportunity now exists for people with talent, including youngsters, to participate in a cultural extravaganza that would go on stage next year.

Dr Rita Sasidharan, reportedly the only medical oncologist of Indian origin in New Zealand and her husband Sasi Nambissan, a chemical engineer by qualification and profession are travelling some great lengths to make the show one of its kind.

They have commissioned Narsing Rao, a dance director, choreographer and show producer based in Hyderabad to add qualitative value to Taj Mahal: A Dance Drama, which they will present under their Aiswarya Entertainments Limited banner at the ASB Theatre in Auckland City on March 31, 2012.

Auckland Auditions

Dr Rao will be in Auckland later this month to select dancers, actors and many others to be cast in the Dance Drama.

Auditions will be held on April 30 at Mt Roskill Intermediate School Hall at 60 Denbigh Avenue, Mt Roskill from 10 am to 3 pm and on May 1 at the Howick Recreation Centre, 563 Pakuranga Road from 11 am to 5 pm.

Mr Rao told Indian Newslink that he would offer a high level of creativity and innovation in presenting Taj Mahal to New Zealanders.

“I am aware that there is immense talent in New Zealand, with a large number of young men and women keen to be involved with a massive production such as our Dance Drama. I look forward to witnessing dancing, acting and other histrionic talents at the auditions in Auckland,” he said.

Mr Rao, a recipient of several Awards, said that apart from original music score, the Dance Drama would feature colourful costumes, accessories and stage properties.

“We will recreate an important chapter of Indian history in English, which will appeal to people of all ethnic groups. The music will have universal appeal,” he said.

Dr Sasidharan and Mr Nambissan said they would be keen to involve people of all ethnic groupings as actors, dancers and performers in other roles.

“We have envisioned Taj Mahal not only as a cultural extravaganza but also a project that will bring together all New Zealanders. This is an Indian dance drama, belonging to the Mughul period but we believe that all its recreation should involve a cross-section of our cosmopolitan and multicultural society. We would welcome people of Maori, European, Pacific Island and Asian origin to work alongside Indian talent and make this a truly national show,” they said.

Mr Nambissan said committees will be formed to attend to various tasks.

“We would welcome those interested in being a part of the activities relating to production, marketing and organisational matters to contact us,” he said.

Many Indian Newslink readers, responding to our earlier report (April 1) had asked if those taking part in the Dance Drama would receive monetary compensation.

Mr Nambissan said these issues are now under discussion.

“Many members of the Indian and other communities have evinced interest in the Project saying that the experience and expertise that they would gain in itself would be invaluable. It is possible that some people may expect payment for their participation. The decision of Aiswarya Entertainments Limited will be final and binding on all participants. We would have individual contracts with each performer. It is suffice to say that not all artistes will be paid and not all artistes will perform free,” he said.