Event organisers who are anxious to put together programmes that epitomise high quality of production look for the best of talents within their affordable limits.
Auckland based Aiswarya Entertainments Limited Directors Sasi Nambissan and Dr Rita Sasidharan are among those who plan early with an eye for meticulous details. They also have the talent to spot talents, utilise them to highlight India’s rich cultural heritage and expose them for public appreciation.
Their Taj Mahal: A Dance Drama, scheduled to be held on March 31, 2012 at ABS Theatre in Aotea Centre is expected to be one of a kind, having attracted more than 100 aspirants for various roles during the two-day audition held in East Auckland last month. The couple had flown at their expense Narsing Rao, a renowned artiste of Hyderabad to direct and choreograph the Dance Drama to select the cast, assign items for choreography to local teachers and decide on a number of production issues.
“I was pleasantly surprised at the immense talent inherent among the members of the Indian community in New Zealand. Their dedication and enthusiasm to learn and perform on stage is inspiring. I am also amazed at the interest evinced by Maori, Pacific Islander and European ethnicities,” he said.
He said that based on the audition and dance skills, he had chosen Natasha Trilokekar, a former student of ‘Narthana Aalayam School of Indian Dance,’ to portray Mumtaz Shahjahan. Natasha performed the role of ‘Kannagi’ at a dance drama held seven years ago (Indian Newslink, September 15, 2004).
“Her expressions, ability to bring about human emotions and dancing skills make her an ideal choice for this important role. We will assign a number of other significant character roles to selected candidates,” he said.
Mr Nambissan said a number of associates and friends had joined the Project to assist in marketing, stage management, costumes, special effects and other tasks. Among them are Anil Kunjunny, Govardhan Mallela, Siju Jacob Sreekumar Puli and Sheela Alex.
Dr Sasidharan said the support of governmental, commercial, social and community organisations was central to the success of the Project.
“While we will not spare any efforts to make Taj Mahal a truly historic representation of a romantic story, the success of the Dance Drama will depend on its financial viability. We hope banks, large, medium and small companies and retailers will support this Project with their sponsorship,” she said.
Sasi Nambissan can be contacted on (09) 2711443 or 021797573 and Dr Rita Sasidharan on 021-938715 Email: sasidharan.nambissan@gmail.com
Photo Caption: ‘Taj Mahal’ dance Drama is evincing the interest of multiethnic groups in Auckland. The pictures here show some of the participants at the auditions held last month.
