Taj Mahal returns with Hindi script

New Zealanders who had missed seeing the ‘Taj Mahal: A Dance Drama’ held in Auckland three months ago would have another opportunity to behold the spectacle later this month.

Aiswarya Entertainments Limited is putting up the show again, this time with a Hindi Script with a few modifications.

The programme will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School at 630 pm.

The Company’s Directors Sasi Nambissan and Dr Rita Sasidharan said that the show returns to stage due to popular demand with changes in deference to the wishes of dance and music lovers.

“The original screenplay will feature Hindi dialogues, which we are sure would please Hindi-speaking people of the Indian Diaspora, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Nepalese and others. Our seniors would also find the dialogues more relevant to the spirit of Taj Mahal,” they said.

The Dance Drama would involve about 100 artistes of Indian, Maori, European, Pacific Island and Asian origin.

Dr Sasidharan said that the script, dialogue and music of the dance drama were authentic, resulting from research, studies and discussions involving a number of experts over a two-year period.

“Exquisite costumes, special stage effects, digital imaging and other exclusive features made Taj Mahal: A Dance Drama a unique experience. We are confident that the forthcoming show will appeal to all New Zealanders, irrespective of their ethnic groups,” she said.

Mr Nambissan said that the Project conformed to the aims and objectives of Aiswarya Entertainments Limited.

“We are keen to develop the potential of young artistes, practitioners and dance schools and academies, boosting their confidence, professionalism, commitment and dedication. ‘Taj Mahal’ provided a rare opportunity for New Zealanders to experience a breath taking range of performances from local talents of different ethnic groups,” he said.

Among the highlights of the forthcoming performance is the involvement of Monisha Kumar and her ‘Monisha School of Dance.’

Dr Sasidharan said Ms Kumar and her School were recognised for quality of teaching promoting Indian dances.

“Established in 2007, the Monisha School of Dance specialises in Kathak and Bollywood styles but also creates new dance forms to add variety. As well as being nominated for a number of awards, the School won the ‘Best Production Award’ (2008) and the ‘People’s Choice Award’ (2009) at the Tempo Dance Festival. Monisha and her students regularly perform at a number of festivals organised by various organisations and associations in New Zealand,” she said.

Ms Kumar said that ‘Taj Mahal’ provides her an opportunity to choreograph dance sequences depicting Indian history and heritage.

“This is a large scale production, projecting an important phase in India’s Mughal Era, with a high artistic and educational value. I am happy to perform in this Dance Drama with 14 students of my School, who are in various stages of learning Indian music and dances,” she said.

Mr Nambissan said that tickets for the show, priced at $50, $35 and $20 are available at a number of retail outlets including Yogiji Food Mart (Mt Roskill), Global Remittance (Royal Oak), Kwality Bazaar and High Range Spices Limited (Papatoetoe).

“We hope to stage Taj Mahal overseas including Sydney (Australia) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates) next year,” he said.