Dance Drama extravaganza seeks cast

If you are an actor, dancer or someone with a penchant for theatre, you could be a candidate for inclusion in a Dance Drama scheduled to be staged in Auckland on March 31, 2012.

Aiswarya Entertainments Limited, which is producing Taj Mahal: A Dance Drama, is keen to recruit the right person for the right role and train them to professional standards that would befit a show of the envisaged magnitude.

Narsing Rao, President and Director of the Hyderabad based Nrityanjali Academy is the music director and choreographer of the extravaganza.

He will be in Auckland later this month to commence production of the Dance Drama, with auditions for various roles.

Auditions to determine the cast will be held at the Mt Roskill Intermediate School Hall (60 Denbigh Avenue) from 10 am to 3 pm on April 30 and May 1, 2011.

Mr Rao said he was keen to produce and present a show that would be distinguished and distinct from other forms of entertainment.

“Taj Mahal will truly be a dance drama that would capture those pages of history that have given the world one of the finest monuments of all times. Behind the façade of Taj Mahal, which is a photo stop for Heads of State, celebrities and tourists, rests a tale of romance that has no parallel. Such a tale has never been told in a format that would appeal to a cross-section of the international community,” he told this reporter during a meeting in Hyderabad recently.

Aiswarya Entertainments Limited Managing Director Sasi Nambissan and his wife and Director Dr Rita Sasidharan agreed, saying that the forthcoming production will be one of a kind, and quality entertainment worthy of New Zealanders.

“The Dance Drama will incorporate songs and dances based on a number of Indian classical style including Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kathakali and folk dances such as Rajasthani and Zufi. With exquisite costumes and jewellery, it will be a resplendent showcase of India’s culture and heritage,” they said.

Mr Nambissan said the auditions will enable Mr Rao to select talented New Zealanders to perform as classical dancers, warriors, merchants, guides and appear in a host of other roles.

“We would also select artistes to portray the main characters of the Play including Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Jahan and Noor Jahan. Dance and drama schools are also welcome to participate in the auditions.

“The auditions will not be restricted to the members of the Indian community. As ‘Once in a lifetime event,’ we welcome talents from all ethnic groups. However, those selected should be committed to the Project and attend rehearsals, meetings, workshops and other related events,” Dr Sasidharan said.

According to Mr Nambissan, Taj Mahal would be one of the largest Projects of its type undertaken in New Zealand. While all production aspects such as stage properties, costumes, jewellery and music are being made in India, the performers would be chosen locally to reflect the aims and objectives of his entertainment and event management company.

“Aiswarya Entertainments Limited has been established to promote Indian culture, with its ethnic mix and social ethos, explore and expose local talent through quality programmes. Such projects and programmes will also promote understanding and goodwill between India and New Zealand,” he said.