Dance maestros shape Taj Mahal drama

Experts in Indian classical dances have got together to train young dancers for a dance drama that will go on stage at ASB Theatre at Auckland’s Aotea Centre on March 31, 2012.

Rehearsals for ‘Taj Mahal’ are currently underway both at the participating dance schools and at Mt Roskill Intermediate School in Auckland.

More than 100 students of local dance schools are involved in this mammoth dance drama, produced and presented by Aiswarya Entertainments Limited.

Directors and principals of local dance schools and performing artistes have choreographed various dance sequences. Among them are Anuradha Ramkumar (Anuradha School of Indian Classical Dance), Kalaiselvi Uthayakumaran (Narthana Alayam School of Indian Dance), Ramya and Vatsala Ramachandran (Howick), Rahul Chopra (Garage Boys) and Shweta Divekar (Arabsque School of Oriental Dance).

Hyderabad based Nrityanjali Academy President and Director Narsing Rao has just returned to Auckland to conduct group rehearsals and hone the talents of the young participants.

He has been associated with the programme since it was conceptualised more than 18 months ago and has scored the music and masterminded the overall choreography.

Energising enthusiasm

He said the enthusiasm and dedication of the teachers, performers and others involved with the show have been outstanding.

“Despite their various other commitments including preparing for their school and college examinations, the young performers have been extremely diligent and cooperative. I am confident that ‘Taj Mahal’ will be a quality production, with a mass appeal,” he said.

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 said.

Exquisite costumes

Aiswarya Entertainment Limited directors Sasi Nambissan and Dr Rita Sasidharan said costumes made in India will be a highlight of the show.

“Designed and produced specially for ‘Taj Mahal,’ the costumes are not only exquisite but also authentic to the Mughal era. The multi-ethnic spectrum includes artists from India, Fiji Indian, Maori, European, and Pacific Island and Asian origin. In addition to understanding each other and helping in the integration of cultures and traditions, this show will also develop the potential of young artistes, practitioners and dance organisations,” they said.

Mr Rao said the production team is working on stage settings, backdrops and properties to depict a true picture of a bygone era.

“There will be scenes showcasing the Mughal Dynasty, marriage of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, wars, death of Mumtaz and a grieving Shah Jahan ordering the construction of the Taj Mahal,” he said.

Mr Nambissan said that while the magnificent marble mausoleum in Agra, near Delhi is attracting millions of visitors from all over the globe including Heads of State and celebrities, our dance drama will underscore the fact that ‘Love never dies’ by creating a living experience of Mughal India.

Areas of excellence

The dance drama boasts experts in technical, administrative and marketing areas.

They include Anil Kunjunny (technical coordinator) in charge of digital props incorporating high definition images, depicting the mood, colours and flavours of the scenes. He would also produce short video clips and 3D animations.

Production manager Peter Vangent and stage manager Carol Harding are experts in their field.

Mr Nambissan said his company was doing its best to spread the message of understanding, goodwill and cultural and social fusion to various ethnic communities in New Zealand.

“We would like to take New Zealanders through this unique experience of a golden era in the Indian historical timeline and promote ethnic harmony by involving different groups from different ethnic communities,” he said.

Dr Sasidharan said that Aiswarya Entertainments Limited has already received inquiries from Sydney to consider possibilities of staging the show.

Photo :

A group of dancers practicing for the show