Local artistes reconstruct Taj Mahal

Community leaders and others from a cross-section of the society are planning to ‘revisit’ Taj Mahal at its next appearance this month.

The Dance Drama, complete with its Hindi script, colourful costumes, authentic and original music and imaginative stage settings will be staged at the Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School at 630 pm on July 28.

Labour Member of Parliament Dr Rajen Prasad said that the first show, held at the ASB Theatre (Aotea Centre) on March 31, 2012 was one of the most memorable programmes that he had attended.

“I was delighted to witness ‘Taj Mahal: A Dance Drama,’ which showcased not only an important era in Indian history but also the inherent talent in our local communities. It was good to see participants from various ethnic groups,” he said.

Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust Inc Chairman Jeet Suchdev considered himself fortunate to have attended the show.

Intense Research

Aiswarya Entertainments Limited produced and presented ‘Taj Mahal,’ after two years of intensive research, discussions with professionals in India and New Zealand. The Company had appointed Hyderabad based Nrityanjali Academy President and Director Narsing Rao to choreograph the dance sequences, and arrange to compose and record original music. He visited New Zealand twice to select and train the dancers and other artistes.

The Company’s Directors Sasi Nambissan and Dr Rita Sasidharan said that producing ‘Taj Mahal’ was an exciting experience.

“Aiswarya Entertainments Limited aims to preserve and promote Indian arts, culture, tradition and heritage. In presenting this Dance Drama, we were keen to create an opportunity for artistes representing various ethnic groups to be a part of an important segment of India’s rich history. We believe that we were able to achieve this objective,” they said.

No funding support

However, there was no support from the New Zealand Government or any of its agencies and organisations, Mr Nambissan said.

“This was a project structured to bring out the talents of the resident communities, create harmony and understanding and highlight Indian culture. We approached almost all funding agencies for assistance but regrettably none of them offered to help or patronise the event. We were not deterred by their indifference and lack of interest. We will continue our efforts undeterred by such disappointments,” he said.

More than 100 artistes from the Indian, Indo-Fijian, Maori, European, Pacific Island and other Asian communities participated in the programme.

Technical Coordinator Anil Kunjunny said that among the highlights of the production are music, dance, drama, suspense and war sequences, augmented by combinations of 2D and 3D animated backdrops.