“Theater plays” have been my favorites besides “ Live music shows”, and Rahul da Cunha’s “Rage Production” plays have been my favorites as they are produced in “English Language” and are very contemporary and bold . “Rage Productions” was established in1992 much later than my own personal family drama beginning with the “Great Engagement 1989” and still “Onn!” in 2008.
Witnessed “Rage Productions’ play “Me,Cash And Cruise” on 19-4-08(Saturday) at Prithvi (Juhu) having been lucky in getting an extra ticket as the play was “House-Full”. Kudo’s for Rahul in taking the risk of producing an authentic ,hard-hitting play on the gradual transformation of Mumbai city from a truly cosmopolitan Indian city to a “Ghettoized” mindset in the present era, reasons partly portrayed in the play.
No single individual authentically “Mumbaikar” could accuse Rahul da Cunha of “PLAGIARIZING” their lives since it would include the entire city which has in some way or the other been effected by the repercussions of social disharmony since 1992, breaking the myth that Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city. Rahul da cunha has seized a part of Mumbai history and converted it into a engrossing commercial play with a social message unlike various films that portrayed the same events in different forms.
Saw a very thought provoking “COTTON 56 POLYESTER 84”on 15/10/06 (Sunday), a satirical historical play based on Bombay’s displaced textile mill workers and of the extinction of the “Cotton textile mill Industry", an Industry that put Bombay now Mumbai on the World map and also contributed to its port development as well as emergence as India’s economic capital with a cosmopolitan flavour.
Post 1992 economic liberalization a variety of businesses and employments are undergoing a similar “Cotton 56 polyester 84” drama saga and many jobs and businesses would vanish , a few survive and the rest reinvent itself.
Wasn’t “Horse carriages” the mode of transport before the invention of the “Automobile”?
Industrial evolution and human employment are eternally temporary.
Between dad and myself we have a total of approximately 60 years in the “Shipping Industry” and it hurts to quit the profession but then as in “COTTON 56 POLYESTER 84” change is inevitable especially when enforced due to circumstances.After “COTTON56 POLYESTER 84” a Hindi play, I personally found “Me Cash And Cruise” a very authentic and tragic portrayal of a part of Mumbai and India’s history, since, like millions of Indians I have also been a part and victim of these events though the severity might defer from each individual or family.
Dad personally experienced the “Bombay Dock blasts" of "Fort Stricken’” and the trauma of “India-Pakistan Partition in 1947” as he worked on the “B.I Ships” that transported refugees between “Bombay-Karachi and Karachi-Bombay” , the same which I clarified for authenticity having checked on “Shipnostalgia.com” as we humans tend to exaggerate events and situations.
Today 1947 is a part of history, a distant memory to the present generation and so also the “Babri Masjid demolition”, “Mumbai Terrorist bomb blasts of 1993” and “ Mumbai Train Blasts of 2006” will be history , faint memories to a generation in 2050. Time is the greatest healer of both physical and psychological scars, hope Mumbai returns to its authentic cosmopolitan roots, the one which my generation experienced in the 1970’s and 1980’s,a truly “Non-ghettoized Mindset”.The motorcycle accident on Monday (19/2/2007) has made me take a renewed look at my personal life and living habits since I survived a “50% DEATH” having made the passage to “50% life”.
Basically, I am a “Loner” absolutely non-interfering and a total pacifist unless personally abused or attacked besides with a “co- education” and “Merchant Navy” upbringing I can proudly claim to be a rare Indian, totally “Non-Communal”. Reasons could be my own personal feelings of “Communal isolation” due to my “Half-breed Status” indoctrinated into me by my father as also my “isolatory physical looks” in simple words, a “ Unda FREAK!”, a new word in the ‘Hinglish dictionary.Visited the “INXS” rock show on 5/10/2006(Thursday) at the “Bandra-kurla Complex ground” ,the latest show in my long list of attended “Rock & Pop shows” since the time I could afford attending such “Musical Extravaganza’s. I have attended every major concert of international rock artist or groups that has visited Mumbai, post "1996 Michal Jackson's" concert at the "Andheri Sports Club", the first "Mega-Extravaganza rock concert" in Mumbai.
Live “Rock and pop shows” by International stars were a dream in the 1970’s and 1980’s to the wealthy Indian youth let alone commoners with “Movies or television”” being the only means of seeing “International stars” .
Post “Economic liberalization 1990’s”, “Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones(Age myth!), Elton John, Bryan Adams, Shaggy(Censors nightmare!),Englebert Humperdinck(Age myth!),Abba the concert(Recycling originals!),Michael learns to rock!, "Inxs","Chico and the Gypsies", and the inimitable belly-dancer/singer "Shakira"are some of the international rock stars and bands who have played in India , a “HALLUCINATION” to the pre 1990’s generation of Indians and Mumbaikars.
Similarly Indian stars have been accepted abroad and become “International performers” with superstar film stars earning a fortune from “Stage shows” as well as “Overseas film rights”.Talking about “HINGLISH VOCABULARY INVENTION”, the rap music show at “Bandra-Kurla Complex” by one of the World’s 3 best International rappers “50 CENTS alias Curtis James Jackson” on Sunday (18/12/07) exposed me to the revolutionary changes of contemporary music and its impact on “FASHION”. First and foremost unlike “Rock and pop groups” there were no instrumental players and the music was totally “RECORDED INSTRUMENTAL” with “50 CENTS” and his 3 member “G-unit” performing on vocals and a “Giant background screen” projecting their music and live act. Imagine the “Rolling stones” without Keith Richards on guitar or “the Beatles” without Ringo Starr on the drums or Jimi Hendrix without his “Signature guitar”, yes “RAP MUSIC” has abolished the “Back-up instruments” taking music into the “DIGITAL AGE” with the “D.J band member” doing the “INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC MIXING”, totally 21st century invention. Having grown up on “Pop and rock” and being a poet at heart I took a fascination for “Rap music” because of it “bold lyrics” and superb “Video productions” with Eminiem being one of my favorites along with “50 Cents” and “Snoop Dogg”. Watching my first live rap show made me realize that “Rap music” is basically a depiction of the culture of “Crime and ghetto(Read slum) life” of the World’s most dominant country, the U.S.A, portrayed through “Reformed outlaw Moguls”. “50 Cents” wore a huge diamond studded crucifix , but his lyrics and gestures would put any Christian religious member watching the show blush and fume , screaming “Religious blasphemy”. “Body piercing” as a art was also on view where for the first time in my life, having toured the World, I saw an “Indian” and not a “firang” or “foreigner” with the largest number of “Pierce rings “ on his face. He himself being a professional “Tattoo artist”, totally “UNEMPLOYABLE !” in any formal job, specializing in “Indian Spirit Tattoo's” based in Pune( Dark Shaman?), hence an “Advertising Genius”! Indian pop and rock music has undergone a tremendous transformation beginning from “Independence Rock concerts” by local artists and a few International concerts, most notably , “The Police” hosted at Rangbhavan. Today, “Post Economic liberalization 1991-92” a galaxy of “ International Mega stars” perform in India and a “50 Cent performance” would have been unimaginable in the “Pre 1990’s India”, both, for financial as well as moral reasons and our own oldest English pop superstar, Gary Lawyer, would confirm my personal opinion. Finally “The Crucifix” has become a “Fashion Icon” akin to other religious symbols of different religions and to think that the origins of “Rap music” began in crime and poverty is as perplexing as “50 Cents” phenomenal wealth and superstar status in World entertainment.
‘MADAME BUTTERFLY”- Read a lot about Late opera stars like Luciano Pavorotti and Maria Callas, both for their media gossip as well as musical fame for a type of music which was “ITALIAN” to me, totally undecipherable!
On Sunday(2-3-08) attended the opera “Madame Butterfly" by Puccini at the N.C.P.A auditorium(Nariman point) at Rs 800, the cheapest ticket and as usual the crowd was absolutely upper crust “English” with ‘3-Piece suits” being the formal wear. I was attired in our Indian national “Kurta” , the Pseudo intellectual artists uniform if not worn by politicians or the Who’s who , the typical trade-mark of the starving intellectual seen around art exhibitions and theater although my “Starvation Looks” were due to “Horse-racing and Stock-markets!”.
The play was excellent, recited in Italian by the opera singers in total continuity, with sub-titles in English screened on the stage upper ceiling screen and I realized that “Madam Butterfly” is as relevant in 2008 as in 1902 when it began its initial stage shows.
Again, thanks to economic liberalization and the “Global village” syndrome, “Opera Music”, once the privilege of the absolutely elite rich is staged and affordable in India.
Talking of “Madame Butterfly”,on 17-3-08(Monday) I happened to have lunch at one of Mumbai’s oldest restaurants , “Britannia Restaurant” at Ballard Pier and was bowled over by its originality and prices, akin to “Coffee house” in Bangalore, “Britannia restaurant” has survived Mumbai’s rapid modernization. Prices were exorbitant, but then vintage parsi food doesn’t come cheap and their “Food Mascot” is a cockerel with the logo, “There is no love greater than the love of eating” , a copywriters genius. Strange but true, with rapid modernization in “Interior decorations”of hotels and homes ,at times the “Old World Look” with authentic wall cracks seem chic and profitable.Visited the “Johnnie Walker One tree music festival 2007” , a yearly musical concert featuring "International stars"at the “Bandra / Kurla complex” . “Allan Parsons live Project” inaugurated the festival on 2/2/07 (Friday) a ‘dinosaur group’ dating to the 1970’s and Allan Parson, the founder personally resembled a ‘W.W.E’ wrestler. Walter Trout & the Radicals performed on 3/2/07 and also sighted infamous bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt , amongst the concert crowd, a fan of "Walter Trout and the Radicals" enjoying the music far away from the "filmi World". In the "2008 johnny Walker one tree festival" i was lucky to get a entrance ticket for the Jose Felliciano concert but ironically he didn't sing one of my all- time favorite songs, "old Turkey Buzzard" from the film "Mckenna's Gold", with the entire crowd waiting in anticipation till the end of the concert, a real advertising coup of music.Talking about “Unbreakable”, visited “The Scorpions” rock concert on 14/12/07(Friday) at the “Bandra-Kurla complex” and was shocked to see the grounds empty which benefited me entry into the Rs1500 enclosure with a Rs 1000 ticket and was worth the money, excellent showmanship and drumming, a connoisseurs fantasy. In Shillong the same band had a crowd of 45,000 hence the dismal crowds in Mumbai are a puzzle as they are a branded rock group since 1965, akin to a “Company” with a few band members changing but the group name existing, as also their style of music. To me “RAP MUSIC” is a better “TELEVISION VIDEO SHOW” akin to “MOTO GP RACING” having witnessed “Rapper 50 Cents”, one of the best rappers in the World. “Rock or Pop Music” is a better “Live Show” than a “Television Video show”. The advent of the "Internet era" has enhanced the "rock and western music" festivals with http://www.myspace.com/ organizing two free concerts at the "Bandra Amphitheater" with some of the best Indian local groups performing, an excellent atmosphere of a rock carnival. On Friday(29-5-2009) at a similar free concert at "Bandra Amphitheater" ,myself and a few other "Weirdo looking guys" were picked out from the crowd and requested to "Jam" along with the local rock group ,"Scribe". I was the "Uncle" amongst this young group of kids and performed live on stage the "GUITAR SONG PATENT!!", also realizing that i was not a very old "UNCLE!" in rock music, giving a decent performance and completing the song to the tune of the "Scribe" vocalist. Mick Jagger and the "Rolling stones" has been my inspiration for the "Forever Young" slogan, having seen them perform live at the "Brabourne stadium" in 2003, absolutely dumbfounded by Mick's swagger and the entire "Rolling stones" stamina at lasting the entire concert despite all of them in the 60's age group!Ultimately, "Biological Age" is just a number and you are as young or as old as you feel or think? Has "Uncle Rudolph.A.Furtado" busted the age myth while performing with "Scribe" on Friday(29-5-2009)?In childhood,Elvis.Presley and Cliff.Richard were my favorites, "Musical indoctrination" as a child in Mombasa(Kenya) by our friends the Coutinho's. Even today, at the age of 49, Elvis.Presley, long dead and gone is still one of my favorite singers, along with Elton .John, late Michael.Jackson and Emineim amongst the "Brat pack" generation of "Rap Musicians".I personally attended the Elton.John concert in Bangalore on 2nd November 2002 and hence can claim to have seen most of my pop and rock English music idol perform, lasting memories in a memory data bank of music.Michael.Joseph.Jackson and myself belong to the same generation and i have always immensely appreciated his music and stage performance irrespective of his bizarre personal life and tabloid trials."Thriller" was the first musical cassette that i purchased with my own wages in 1983 in Terneuzen(Holland) on my first voyage as a "Marine Engineer" in the Shipping Industry.Since 1983,my personal life has traversed various routes mirroring Michael Jackson's "Tabloid scandals" though of a different type and through it all Jackson's music has been steadfast in my personal collection,genuine stress busters in times of distress or pathos.Akin to Jackson, i have also toured the "Globe" and have a fascination for Wild-life and pets, visiting numerous zoo's besides having my own pet zoo in a small "531SqFt House" in Mumbai! I remember attending the concert of the group "Michael learns to Rock" in Mumbai who admitted to having been inspired by Michael Jackson in naming their group , "Michael learns to rock", with both "Michael .Jackson" and group "Michael learns to rock" becoming global phenomenons.To quote from "Michael learns to rock" ballad, "i'm not an actor ,i'm not a star and i don't even have my own car", is that me in the mirror?Thanks Michael.Jackson for the wonderful music that is your legacy to humanity.
CONCERTS,MUSICALS,THEATER,CINEMA(CONTINUATION----):- Saw the play "Mousetrap' by Agatha Christie at "St Andrews auditorium(Bandra)" on Friday(2-10-2009), an Indianised version set in the "Hippy Era" of the 1970's. What are the reasons for a simple thriller play like the "MOUSETRAP" being the longest running play in human history? On Friday(9-10-2009) saw a "Mono play" performed by South African Indian Mr Rajesh.Gopie. The Play "Out of bounds" was a hard hitting introspection of a typical coloured family living in South Africa during the "Apartheid Era", all "Dirty linen" and "Hidden linen" washed in front of a theatre audience.This play reminded me of Rahul da'Cunha's plays on the terrible "Mumbai riots era" and its aftereffects.This play was sposored by the "Times of India Group" at the "Sophia Bhabha auditorium" and hence free, a real thought provoking social play, cleverly performed and directed.
Viewed the play "Begum Sahiba" in the first row seat at “Sophia Bhabha Auditorium” on Sunday(29-11-2009) and was taken aback by the lack of an audience although the play was heavily advertised on newspapers as the costliest play production in Indian theater. It was a very bold play touching a taboo subject on “Sexual Permissiveness in Indian society” and hence i feel that the audience got restricted as some would definitely find the play offensive viewing it with their families. The character of “Raj’ really stole the show in a very colourful negative character of the “Sex Trade” as also the heroine, Poonam.Dasgupta with her sensuality. Definitely a very “ADULT DRAMA” although it got a “U” Certificate.Was “DRAMA PIRACY” responsible for an empty theater audience? I personally feel that “DRAMA PIRACY” rather than a lack of family interest or “Sex Adult Content ” of the play was responsible for the low audience turnout. Shocking to note for the first time that “Video Piracy” has overcome the last and least profitable post, the minuscule “Mumbai Theater drama profits”.”Begum Sahiba’ might do a blistering business in the “Piracy video circuit” as it has all the necessary ingredients of a “Garm Drama”, amusing the “C.T” as well as educated audience in the privacy of their surroundings.”Begum Sahiba” has definitely set a new mark in the “Video Piracy” business, the first time that a “PIRACY” complaint has been lodged by a “Drama play” company. Previously we only heard “MOVIE PIRACY” complaints.ultimately ”PIRACY” will kill “Theater Drama”, robbing it off its minuscule viewers and profits. We have had an instance of a “Wardrobe malfunction” at a famous fashion show with one of India’s top models prior to the infamous malfunction at the “Begum Sahiba” play at “Rangsharda Theatre”. Having had a “Birds eye view” of the play, seems that “Begum Sahiba” will long be remembered for its hard-hitting controversial sexual theme as well as introducing “DRAMA PIRACY” to the minuscule world of Drama. The role of the "Transvestites" in the play was reminiscent of the World famous "Alcazar Show" of Pattaya in Thailand, “SEX” does sell.
Witnessed the "Alan Bates Show" at St Andrews Auditorium on Friday(4-12-2009) and came out of the auditorium with a mixed feeling about the art of "HYPNOTISM". Alan.Bates is a reputed hypnotist having presented his shows World-wide for almost 20 years, hence no "flash-in-the pan" con artist nor a "Publicity seeker".The auditorium was almost packed to capacity and it was the first time that i witnessed a hypnotist performing, something unbelievable to logical thinking and reasoning, akin to P.C.Sorcars magic. Alan.Bates made 7 total strangers picked up from the crowd obey each and every command of his under the effects of his hypnotism, something which seemed "Stage Managed" to the "Doubting Thomases", but, he wouldn't be "stage-Managing" this bizarre art for the last 20 years under the media as well as professional rivals glare."YOU CAN FOOL SOME PEOPLE SOMETIME BUT YOU CAN'T FOOL ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME"!He selected 7 candidates out of the audience willing to become "Hypnotherapy guinea-pigs" excluding myself who volunteered but was rejected like most of the crowd and the rest was an unbelievable show of humour and frightening truth. What if a person having the talent of Mr Alan.Bates were to misuse his craft in assassinations , robbery, sex or simple political power. His manner of speaking and art of seducing his "Hypnotherapy patients" were akin to the average , "preacher", "Evangelist", "Politician" or "Trade Union leader" holding his or her followers captive attention due to the power of oratory and the "Hypnotic effect" responsible for separating the ordinary from the great."The Manchurian Candidate" that was a mind boggling fact of the Korean War definitely has legitimacy as demonstrated by Mr Alan.Bates by means of "Comedy Hypnotism".Speaking closer at home in Mumbai, was the political "Pramod .Mahajan" murder a result of the "Manchurian Candidate" type conspiracy?.
Alan.Bates by means of performing the first hypnotist show in Mumbai city and exposing the "COMMON PUBLIC" to the effects of "Hypnotism" has definitely opened a "Pandora's box" of "UNEXPLAINABLE CRIMES AND CRIMINALS".
I wouldn't be surprised if some future criminals or crimes would be explained as being done under the effects of "hypnotism" and hence letting the case go unsolved and the criminal free! Elementary said Watson.Right said "SHERLOCK HOLMES"?
On Wednesday(9-12-2009) i went to Mumbai's most happening place, "The Blue frog" for listening to the "Hip hop Hustle" by "DJ GREEN LANTERN" a former DJ for Rap artist Eminem's ."Rap Music" is not my cup of tea having personally seen "50Cents" perform in Mumbai with his "Dj" and it confused me as there were no "Band members" as in a normal rock group.For a "Live act" i would any day prefer a "Rock or Pop Show" to a normal "Rap Show" unless the rap artists were real big stars like "50 Cents,"Jay Z","Snoop Dog" or "Eminem", to name the most famous names of the business in this era. "Rap Musicians" have a very short "shelf-life" akin to the lyrics they belt, "underworld jargon" and "violence protest". The crowd at "Blue Frog" was young and a mix of the executive types, a real expensive place with tickets costing Rs 500 and dinner averaging Rs 500. The show with "DJ Green lantern" began at 2330hrs and went into the morning upto 0245hrs, the longest night-club performance that i witnessed in Mumbai after decades."DJ Green Lantern" literally transformed the "Bluefrog" into a typical "New York Nightclub" with typical 'Rap language" and the music playing continuously non-stop. It was a night and a morning to remember as i learned something new in the art of music, the "Rap World" of uninhibited raw sexually provocative music.The music was really relaxing and honestly i do have a place for rap music amongst my favorite entertainment programmes, a nice way to unwind one's frustrations and worries through expression in "MUSIC". Good introduction "Dj Greenlamp".
Attended the English play "Broken Images" on Sunday(27-12-2009) at "Sophia Bhabha Auditorium" one of my "Adda's" for plays as its close to my residence at Prabhadevi.It was a mind-boggling "Mono Play" performed by veteran hindi actress Shabana .Azmi, the play being written by renowned p Indian playwright Girish.Karnad and directed by the thespian of English theater in Mumbai city, Mr Alyque ,Padamsee.It was a "House-full" crowd , although the tickets were astronomical and the 1 hour play was worth the money and time.
The director,Sunil.Shanbag and some actors of "Cotton 54Polyster 86" produced another thought-provoking relevant play called "S*X,MORALITY AND CENS*RSHIP"
Saw the 1930hrs show at "Prithvi Theatre" on Valentine Day(14-2-2010)" and was transferred into 1970's era Bombay and the "Moral Brigade" attacks against Marathi playwright Vijay.Tendulkar's play "Sakharam Binder", a very bold play for its times.This "TAMASHA PLAY" was outrageously blunt in Hindi and Marathi sexual explicits as well as portraying illicit relationships among the lower economic classes, the reason for "Sakharam Binder" being considered a "Red Herring" amongst 1970's "Moral Brigade police".The live music in "S*X, Morality and Cens*rship" with its "Lavni Dance" recitals was truly beautiful and erotic.Ultimately, what is "MORALITY" and who can be its judge was the basic theme of this play? This is a very tricky question, especially in the modern era of "Internet and Media" where "Censorship" is difficult to define and is ultimately left to the viewer or audience."Internet Pornography" is rampant on the internet and difficult to control, hence the "VIEWER" is the ultimate censor in the 21st century era.
Attended the "Mims Hip hop show" at the "Blue Frog" on Thursday(18-3-2010), the entrance tickets astronomically priced at Rs 700 for average "Hip hop Fans' who are normally "Non-earning collegians". It was a "jam packed" nightclub with youngsters and i felt a total "Uncle" at a grand age of 50 in the "Hip Hop culture" of rap music, something that my generation didn't grow up on, being either pop or rock fans. I was next to the performing stage as the "Blue Frog" is a relatively small club compared to out-door stadiums or grounds and hence was "hand-shaking" distance from Mims. Mims began his show at past mid-night and held the crowd in frenzy, later calling a girl from the audience to join him for a "Michael Jackson tribute" performance. Towards the end, for his signature song "This is why I'm hot" he called me onstage and a life-long dream of performing on stage with an "International Star" was fulfilled. I didn't do badly, otherwise the "Young Crowd" of mostly teenagers and a young "yuppy Crowd" would have "Booed Out" the dinosaur music fan "Uncle Rudolph",.I have previously performed on stage with local musicians, but never a "Platinum selling International artist".It was one of the most memorable, unforgettable nights of music attendance in my life.Mims performed for only about an hour between 0010 hrs to 0110 hrs approx, the rest of the night featuring local and a foreign band.Returned home at approx 0245 hrs,"Blue frog" being just approx 5 mins from my residence In Prabhadevi by motorcycle.
On Sunday(18-4-2010) saw the English play "Love on the brink" at the "Tata Theater(N.C.P.A)"produced by Lillete.Dubey ,an Indianised version of the Original Broadway play "Luv" (1964) by Murray.Schisgal.The play is very relevant in any age, country or culture, excellent.
Sunday(15-8-2010):-Saw the Konkani drama "Koxtt Tarvotteanche(trials of seafarers)" at "Rang Sharda Hall in Bandra , an excellent play, well choreographed and expensively produced for a "Regional Play". It was akin to watching a "West End" musical with "Drama' in-between the songs.Sunday(15-8-2010) besides being India's independence day also happened to be the third death anniversary of my father, a employee of the "British India Steam navigation Co Ltd", one of the largest shipping companies of its era.Hence, between me and my father we totally have approximately 60 years of employment in the "Shipping industry"!I request every seafarer to see this play, a satirical and morally adept play in an Industry which few people outside the "Shipping Industry" understand. This play would have done excellently if translated into other languages, but, every language has its own unique "Punchlines", hence the humour and satire would be less obvious if translated.The next konkani play i attended was "Advogad(Advocate)" on Tuesday(28-9-2010) at the "Shivaji Mandir" auditorium a hilarious satire on corruption and the law in the state of Goa.The theater was almost empty with a crowd of less than 100 people,a sad statistic of the economic profit and loss to the promoters and artists of the play. I personally feel that regional theater, barring Gujarati and Marathi plays are rarely profitable in the city of Mumbai.
The last circus show that i saw was "Rambo Circus" at the Bandra Reclaimation grounds in Mumbai."Rambo Circus" was a pale shadow of the circus of my childhood of the 1960's in Mombasa ,"The Great Royal Circus" as major animal performances were banned. Later in the year revisited my favorite theaters in Mumbai for the normal English language concerts.Saw Raell.Padamsee's "The Class Act" on Sunday(10-10-2010)at St Andrews Auditorium in Bandra.The play was a hilarious spoof on the multicultural cosmopolitan structure of Mumbai city.Next play in the same month on Saturday(30-10-2010)was Feroz.Khan's "Dinner with friends" at the "N.C.P.A".Before the start of the play there were free drinks sponsored by "Ballantines", a total "House-full" crowd that had double entertainment, free drinks and a social play based on married couple relationships in urban society.English theater, especially when produced by prominent celebrity stars or theater personalities are hugely successful in Mumbai.Saw the English play "Get rid of my wife" at St Andrews,Bandra on Sunday(5-12-2010). Observed that "Mumbai English theater' is seriously producing indigenous "Hinglish Plays" and also portraying the various "Stereotype Communities" that make Mumbai a colourful city and also cosmopolitan.Only hope no "MORCHA's" or "BANS" are raised against some of these plays by self-styled "Moral Brigades" for portraying certain communities in 'Stereotype caricatures". Touche! Topi?
Ended the year 2010 by seeing the 1930 hrs show of "The Interview" on Friday(31-12-2010) at Prithvu theatre at Juhu in Mumbai.This was an indigenous play written by Siddharth.Kumar and directed by Akarsh.Khurana exploring the world of "Office politics" and hierarchy crimes.I thought it fitting to end the year with a play after personally seeing the World's longest play, "The Mousetrap" at its original theater, St Martins in London.To quote the bard William.Shakespeare,quote,"All the World's a stage, all the men and women merely players, we play our roles and then depart". "THE MOUSETRAP" AT "ST MARTINS THEATER" IN LONDON"(WEDNESDAY 26-5-2010):- My greatest wish as a drama and film aficionado was fulfilled when i personally saw the World's longest running play, Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap" at the "st Martins theater" in London on Wednesday (26-5-2010). I have given a detailed account of my "London Solo-backpackers Tour" in my blog and the same can be accessed for guidance to holidaymakers and economy backpackers on tour of one of the World's costliest City's.
Below is a brief history on the "Mouse Trap" written by "London Theater Guide", a free "West End News letter' by "E-mail".
Mousetrap increases booking period to 14 May 2011
Agatha Christie's long running thriller The Mousetrap , has increased its booking period by 6 months - tickets are now on sale to 14 May 2011 at the St Martin's Theater.
Directed by David Turner, The Mousetrap's plot is one of the West End's best-kept secrets, and audiences are requested to keep the identity of the killer locked in their hearts.
A group of people gathered together in a remote part of the countryside discover there is a murderer in their midst. The question is which one of them is the guilty party.
Originally written as a radio play, the world's longest running play has now chalked up over 23,000 performances.
Over ten million people have been to see the Agatha Christie classic since it opened on 25th Nov 1952 with Richard Attenborough and Sheila Simms in the leading roles. Since then over 382 actors and actresses have appeared in the play, which has been presented in 44 countries and translated into 24 different languages.
In 2000 the set was replaced for the first time during the run at St Martin's Theater, still to the same design as the original. This task was completed over a weekend without the loss of a performance.
In the world's worst film deal, the movie rights to The Mousetrap were sold in 1956 - with the proviso that the film could not be released until six months after the end of the London stage run.
One actor, David Raven, played Major Metcalf for 4575 performances from July 1958 to November 1968.
Nancy Seabrooke, understudied the role of Mrs Boyle for 6,240 performances for 15 years, ending in 1994. She appeared 72 times.
Agatha Christie became a Dame of the British Empire in 1971; she died on the 12th January 1976 aged 85.
Theater and Musicals-2011:- My first play in the New Year of 2011 was "One On One" at St Andrews Theater in Bandra. It was a series of 8 plays in the form of skits of 10 minutes duration each, some performed in English language and some in Hindi language by different directors and writers under the "Rage Theater Productions".Some of Mumbai's eminent theater personalities and writers were part of the plays, an expression on contemporary India and Mumbai, few in satirical form.A different attitude has developed in Mumbai Theater with manny plays being ingeniously written on local topics or content, unlike previously where most plays were either Indian adaptations of "West End" or "Broadway Plays".
"Lorna Konkani musical drama "Bangarachem Goem"(Friday 21-1-2011):-Honestly, had never ever heard of Lorna. Cordeiro popularly known as "Lorna" in Goan folk music , although an addict of theater plays besides being a fan of 1960's era konkani classic music..Saw the advertisement of her show at the "Sacred Heart Church(Worli)" golden jubilee celebrations function held on its grounds on Sunday(16-1-2010) and decided to attend the same.Attended the show at "Shivaji Mandir Theatre" in Dadar and for the first time saw a "HOUSE FULL" show for Konkani entertainment.Lorna thrilled the audience with her deep bass voice,an aging melody queen whose bass voice brought alive konkani music.She began as a English music jazz singer later evolving into konkani music, hence the deep bass voice,crediting her teacher(Guru) Chris.Perry for discovering her singing talent. The entire "Bangarachem Goem" packaged programme of skits and songs performed by various other accompanying artists besides Lorna was worth the ticket money and entertainment hype.
On Friday(11-2-2011) saw the Konkani play "Teg Bhav Deva Pav" at "Sacred Heart Church lawn(Worli)" by popular comedian Konkani dramatist Jacob.Fernandes who is better known by his theatre name "Prince Jacob"."Prince Jacob" is considered one of the best in Goan theatre having been in the business for 25 years and this play being his "50th Production" ,hence the entire church compound was packed to capacity for the play.I have taken a liking to Goan Konkani plays called "Tiatr" in Goa and staged differently compared to normal drama with konkani songs sung between the main play akin to Hindi films.It was an excellent play with a moral story and slapstick humour, the "Charlie Chaplin style" entertainment, more of physical than verbal humour.One glaringly difference that i have observed between "Konkani Drama" and local produced "English" as well as "Hindi Drama" is the use of a "Drag Queen" in a central role in "Konkani theater". In every play that i saw to date there was a man dressed in woman's attire, playing the "Feminine role" although the same has been totally out-dated in modern theater after men and women were allowed to perform their own sex roles in drama.Today, with "Homosexuality" being accepted in the mainstream society, homosexuals are portrayed normally in plays or films without making a mockery of their peculiar sexual preferences. The audience enjoys the role of this "Cross-Dresser" and i wonder if it is a message towards the tolerance of "Homosexuality" in Goan society or simple clownish hunour?Goa is predominantly a catholic state of India and "Homosexuality" is taboo in the religion, hence i wonder the reasons for portrayal of comic caricatures of men in womens attire , playing the feminine role in "Goan Theitr" whereas these roles were outdated after the Shakespearean plays of The Elizabethan era in England.Purchased a musical CD of Lorna at the Concert venue, consisting of her best hits in konkani music.
Play "5 point something"-:Saw the play"Five point someone" on Friday(25-2-2011) produced by Chennai based "Evam Entertainment Pvt Ltd" at N.C.P.A ,having previously seen the super-hit movie "Three Idiots" produced by Vidhu.Vinod.Chopra . Both , the film and play are based on the same book titled,"Five point someone" written by Mr Chetan.Bhagat, although the film has deviated from the main book story with its multi-starcast and budget.I haven't read the book which became a super success due to "3 Idiots" and the controversies involved in giving due recognition to author Chetan.Bhagat by the films producer .The play was not a "House-full" unlike the movie proving that "Star-cast" sells in India and an "Amir.Khan Brand star-cast " does wonders to a good script or story.Chetan.Bhagat the author should thank Amir.Khan the actor for part of his success as also Amir.Khan for landing a good script.Touche! Topi!.
Friday(11-3-2011):- A day of happenings in my life, both good and bad. Today happened to be my 51st birthday, a quiet occasion at home as i don't celebrate my birthdays, but normally have a drink at home and later go outdoors for a quiet evening of some entertainment.Sabina.Dias my house care-taker was at home as usual and as i was sipping a few pegs of scotch and watching television , the devastating news of Japans worst tsunami earthquake was flashed on television. The devastation was tremendous and having visited japan numerous times during my shipping career, latest being Tokyo in 1995, felt the reality of a very unpredictable existence of us humans on Planet Earth.I have personally walked around Nagoya,Yokohama and Tokyo streets to name the most prominent city's of Japan,clicking photographs, a country with a very high standard of living and cleanliness, least of all discipline.Amongst all my World tours, besides my birthplace Kenya and citizen country India , England and Japan have had the greatest effect on my personal development and way of living.We all humans evolve as we age and as they say ,"Travel is the best teacher".It was tragic that Japan's worst earthquake co-incidentally occurred on my birthday, a country that molded my thinking and way of life in manny ways.After lunch and music with intermittent news of the "Japan tsunami Earthquake" on television spent the entire afternoon and evening at home .At approx 1745 hrs , dressed up and rode my bike to "N.C.P.A(Nariman point)" to attend the musical concert of Grammy award winner Angelique .Kidjo scheduled at 1930hrs.Visited my parents graveyard site at Haines Road cemetery in Mahalaxmi en-route to the auditorium.At the auditorium met my shipping mate Vinoo.Sequeira,at present a serving "Chief Engineer" on "Merchant Ships" , a encyclopedia in Western music.We got to know each other reasonably well during our 5 month stay in South Shields(England) in 1985/86 for the "Marine engineering Exams".Vinoo happened to be in Mumbai for some personal shipping administrative work and contacted me on the phone as we did meet occasionally, either in Bangalore or Mumbai.We hadn't met recently after the sale of my Bangalore residence in 2009 and since we both were bachelors, did interact on the same mental frequency. We happened to meet each other at the auditorium as i had informed him about the music concert and luckily he managed to purchase a ticket. At the auditorium there was free complimentary pint beers, something normal during popular sell-out concerts or plays.Honestly, i had never listened to Angilique kidjo's music nor heard her name before her well advertised show in Mumbai. Did my homework on her biography through the internet and was shocked at her achievements and status in the music World, yet a totally unknown to Western music fans in India, including Mr Vinoo.Sequeira!The concert of approx 2 hrs, beginning at 1945 hrs was a super-hit. Angelique Kidjo and her troupe of 4 band members thrilled the entire audience, most memorable to me being her fantastic singing of "Malaika", the most popular swahili song. She later invited the audience to join her band on stage in dancing to her music, a truly life time memorable occasion.After the concert Vinoo thanked me for informing him about the concert, a real compliment from a very knowledgeable person on rock, pop and western music.After the concert made my way to "Woodehouse Gymkhana" at colaba for a rendezvous with school classmates.Mr Rajiv.Pai, had come to Mumbai from Sydney and ex-classmates Mr Hyder.Pardiwalla, Dr Mustafa.Khokhawalla and Mr Juzer.Loharchawlwalla had organized a get-together for him at the "Woodehouse Gymkhana".We talked late into the night, reminiscing school days and admiring the success of fellow "Christ Churchites" including Rajiv who at present was financial director in a 5-star hotel in Sydney, an Australian citizen having served in various hotels in different parts of the Globe.Rajiv.Pai was a authentic rags to riches story of a hard-working intelligent working-class fellow classmate who made it to pinnacle in his profession, the "Hotel Industry".Finally returned home on my bike, a classic ride from Colaba to Prabhadevi on an empty street at approx 0030hrs.A very memorable and unforgettable day had come to an end.
Witnessed the play "Good morning Miss Katya", a one woman play written and enacted by Delna.Mody and directed by Sam.Kerawalla at the "N.C.P.A Experimental theater" in Nariman point on Sunday(17-4-2011).It was an adults play, absolutely bold with an upper-class social theme of marital infidelity and introspection of a broken marriage sibling, miss Katya(actress Delna.Mody) .As mentioned, Mumbai English theater, although mostly commercially unprofitable is becoming more indigenous in its plots and subjects and "Good morning Miss Katya"
definitely was worth viewing.
"Rebecca", the the classic suspense thriller novel written by authoress Daphne Du Maurier in 1938 was made famous by the Alfred.Hitchcock movie of the same name in 1940.Saw the play at St Andrews Auditorium on Saturday(21-5-2011), the original play enacted by local Mumbai actors and actresses.The play has done manny re-runs in Mumbai and hence the theater audience was lackluster for a well enacted drama with excellent, costly stage sets and lighting.St Andrews theater in Bandra is one of the best modern drama theaters of Mumbai on par with the best in "Westend" locality of London, the seat of original English theater.
"T-PAIN Concert at "BLUE FROG" :-An electrifying concert by hip-hop rap star "T-PAIN" at the "Blue Frog", Mumbai's hippest night club on Friday(17-6-2011)."T-PAIN" lesser known by his actual name Faheem.Rasheed.Najm gave a superb entertainment of hip-hop and rap along with his accompanying band members..He performed for less than an hour, the shortest "Music Concert" that i witnessed since the era of "International Music Stars" performing in Mumbai and India became a reality, the most prominent being Michael.Jackson in the 1990's.The music and live act by "T-Pain" and his group of 5 other accompanying accomplices was worth the expensive ticket of Rs 2000, a night to remember. Pure "HIP-HOP STYLE" and "AUTHENTIC HIP-HOP MUSIC".One strange fact that i observed about "HIP-HOP STARS" is that they have made the religious icon, "THE CHRISTIAN CROSS" a symbol of style and fashion."T-PAIN" is a muslim by religion and he prominently sported the "CROSS" while performing some of his songs.Thanks to "HIP-HOP AND RAP" there is at least harmony in music amongst different cultures and religious sects.Music knows no religion or boundaries.
AMERICAN LIBRARY & the "ARTS & THEATER":- Have been a visitor to the "American Library" at Marine Lines in Mumbai since 1978 during my "Kirti College Years".Have witnessed the transition of this library as a free "American Propoganda Educational Centre" during the "COLD WAR YEARS" with its counterpart the "U.S.S.R Library" at Peddar road,upto the present era in 2011 with the demise of the former "U.S.S.R". The American Library now charge a "Library Fee Membership" with a lot of added facilities like "Internet Usage" and "Movie ,Theatre programs".Honestly, i owe the "American Library" , the "British Library" band my local book-library shop "Fiction Junction" at Prabhadevi owned by Mr Abhay.Waghle now extinct for encouraging my attempts at writing, before the arrival of the "INTERNET ERA" of knowledge at fingertips.I should thank the "Internet Invention" for helping numerous bloggers like me to research their "WRITING TALENT", expressing their experiences, thoughts, etc for public scrutiny instead of trying to find publishers.With a little luck and talent, some of us "BLOGGERS" would and could definitely become "INTERNET BESTSELLERS"!
At various times the "American Library" has organized jazz music presentations, the most memorable being the "Herbie Hancock" music show organized at the now defunct "Rang Bhavan", although Jazz is not my cup of tea in music.Recently, since 2010 they have been having "Film Screenings" at their private auditorium, projecting some of the best of American film culture.Have seen a few films at the "American Library theater", a small theater compared to its counterpart the "The Russian Consulate theater" at Peddar road.One of the most memorable films that i saw was "Giant" on Saturday(25-6-2011), a film on which i read volumes but failed to view in a long career as a "FILMOHOLIC"!"Finally, thanks to "American Library",at a late age saw the movie "GIANT" at a private screening at "American Library mini-theater" in Marine lines(Mumbai). It was one of the longest English movies , slightly less than 3 hrs. and a vintage classic with three memorable actors. Rock.Hudson who later became the "POSTER BOY" for "A.I.D.S",James.Dean, who became the eternal "POSTER BOY" for "EVERLASTING YOUTH" and Elizabeth.Taylor , who personified the word "CLASS".Thanks to "American Library", a film addict has got to view some of the classic movies that are no more available on popular mass media viewing sources like the "Video Library" or normal theaters.
Sunday(31-7-2011):- It had rained heavily the previous day with most parts of Mumbai being flooded due to the incessant rainfall.Towards Sunday evening the sky suddenly brightened up and hence i decided to mo-bike to "N.C.P.A" to view the English play "The Real Inspector Hound".Managed to ride to "N.C.P.A" through pot-holed roads and mild drizzles, excellent adventure mo-biking.Managed to get a ticket(Rs 250) and later went and booked an advance ticket(Rs 150) for a Marathi drama "Lovebirds" to be staged on Tuesday(9-8-2011).To date, i have never watched a "Marathi Drama" although "Marathi Theater" is very popular in Mumbai and some of Hindi cinema's good actors have had their beginnings on the "Marathi Stage". Gujarati and Marathi theater seems to be the only commercially profitable regional language theater groups in Mumbai.The play "The Real Inspector hound" started at 1900 hrs to a "house-Full" audience, surprising as it was a rainy day."English theater" too seems to be doing reasonably well commercially, although it has a restricted elite audience as the tickets are more expensive compared to regional and Hindi drama."West End" and "Broadway" has deeply influenced Mumbai English theater with plays becoming more candid and realistic in their expression, "KISSING" being one of the latest introductions as witnessed in "The Real Inspector Hound".It was an engrossing and witty play with subtle dialogues.Returned home in a slight drizzle, fortunate to not getting wet on a very wet day in Mumbai city.
Tuesday(9-8-2011):- Luckily it was a dull cloudy but non-rainy day and the mo-bike ride to "Downtown" Mumbai was exhilarating.Saw the Marathi play "Lovebirds" at N.C.P.A and was sad for having missed out on good "Marathi Theatre", this being my first exposure to "Marathi Theater", although a Bombayite now a Mumbaikar.This play was first performed in 1995 and was a big success and hence revived by its director Girish.Joshi who is also a noted film script writer.The play was adapted for 21st century theatre audience with certain modern gadget like computers, cell-phones being used while the "Original Plot" remained the same.It was an excellent suspense play with a twisted "Love-story angle", well choreographed and acted, as well as good acoustic effects.First time saw the concept of "Film" and live stage acting intermingling, a real innovation in "Local Theater" by the plays director Mr Girish.Joshi. Will "English Local theater" copy "Marathi Theatre" which is way ahead in profits and staging.IN future do intend seeing popular Marathi plays.
"ONE OUT OF SIX":- Saw this adults play at Sophia Bhabha auditorium on Wednesday(31-8-2011) based on the taboo topic of "Wife-Stealing" and coming to terms with a homosexual member in the family.The original title of the play was "Norman is that you" first performed in 1970 and written by American playwrights Ron .Clarke and Sam.Bobrick in an era when "Homosexuality" was totally unutterable in conservative Indian society. This was the first play to deal with the topic of "HOMOSEXUALITY" in America in a open and humorous manner.The Indianized version of this play titled "One out of Six" was directed by Karla .Singh and starring Bugs .Bhargava.Krishna and Cyrus.Broacha in the lead roles.Popular television personality Cyrus.Broacha played the role of the "Queen Queer", girlfriend of Bugs.Bhargava.Krishna's son, the butch homosexual.It was a very engrossing play, well acted by the two main actors and absolutely bold considering that this play was produced in the 1970's. Cyrus.Broacha resembled more of a "Transvestite gay" than the normal gay who can be any person in society without the "Stereotype gay mannerisms" most commonly portrayed in hindi films.Even in the 21st century, "Homosexuality" is still a very taboo subject in Indian society and the average Indian can't differentiate between homosexuals and Transvestites. Homosexuals are considered to be impotent men akin to transvestites, hence the hindi slang word "CHAKKA(SIXER)" for both homosexuals and transvestites.Throughout history, some of the most "Macho Men" and "Petite women" have been "Homosexuals" or "Lesbians", hence "STEREOTYPING" is a ridiculous and humorous debate. Touche! Topi?
Saturday(24-9-2011):- Saw the English play "KENNEDY BRIDGE" written and directed by journalist/film writer/critic Mr Khalid.Mohamed at "N.C.P.A"(Mumbai) and produced by Ashwin.Gidwani.People familiar with Mumbai's "ADDA's" will know the importance of "KENNEDY BRIDGE". Khalid, a product of Cathedral School in Mumbai, the elitist school has totally copied the filmi scenes of the "LUCKNOWI KOTHAS" in depicting the life of a "Courtesan" in Mumbai.Has Khalid himself ever visited a Mumbai courtesan besides conducting "Filmi Interviews"?I found the play to be a "BOLLYWOOD ADAPTATION" staged in "N.C.P.A",complete with technocolour effects and beautiful "Filmi Courtesans", a replica of the most memorable Kotha Movie "Umrao Jaan" with the unforgettable hindi actress Rekha.Ganeshan as the courtesan.No doubt its considered the costliest drama in Indian English theatre.See it for the extravaganza.
I have attatched a review from www.bookmyshow.com, the on-line ticket sellers:-The biggest and most visually engaging extravaganza in Indian theatre history Kennedy Bridge produced by Ashvin Gidwani Productions (AGP) , a magnum opus in the truest sense of the term. Kennedy Bridge endeavors to offer audiences a sumptuous theatrical treat, replete with authentic elements from the various realms of drama, music, dance and art on an unimaginable scale! Kennedy Bridge is not just any play...it promises to be the "king of plays"! A lavish budget...hitherto unheard of in Indian theatre, the biggest and most highly anticipated Indian theatre production to date, the sound production values and inspiring creative brilliance of Kennedy Bridge is its forte. The play written and directed by Khalid Mohamed also marks the English theatre debut of the multi-talented chartbusting Music Director/Singer/Actor Himesh Reshammiya; the extravagant sets have been designed by the iconoclastic artist, Chintan Upadhyay;Poet Nida Fazli’s work has been integrated into the production; James Ferreira has designed the elaborate costumes; Video elements for Kennedy Bridge have been photographed by the ace Lensman and Director of Photography, Sanjay F Gupta. Jayesh Gandhi and Kaizad Gherda are the composers and dances have been choreographed by Javed Sanadi.The star cast boasts of established and upcoming names from the theatre, television and film Industry.
"BONKAN BOT"(Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai):- Heard ,"BONKAN BOT" a hit english song performed by the Indi rock group "3 Guys and a Girls" at "Hard Rock Cafe(Mumbai)". This song was selected for the "GREAT INDIAN ROCK Vol- viii (2004)" album, the best collection of Indian rock bands of that era. "3 Guys and a Girl" were a one hit wonder band of 2004 that disbanded soon after their success of "Bonkan Bot".They reunited for this special gig at "Hard Rock Cafe" in Mumbai on Thursday(20-10-2011).Two former members , guitarist Warren.Mendonsa and drummer Sod .Coutto who now play for the group "ZERO" joined together with Johan.Pais on Bass and the irresistible husky voiced Shazneen.Arethna on vocals.It was an excellent evening of some "Classic English cover music" and own compositions by this group of three male singers and a lone girl , with Arethna singing some of her own compositions, later joined by another female vocalist. I happened to ask the lead singer Shazneen.Arethna if she knew the konkani translation of "Bonkan Bot" and honestly, i felt embarrassed asking her the question as she was least embarrassed about the same.Heard this trio for the first time although i have seen the group "Zero" perform during a concert at some other venue.Shazneen is excellent, a Joan Baeez/Janis Joplin Mix, excellent husky voice. This girl will go places or is already going places.The song "BONKAN BOT" is a sure hit, although they have initially piggy-backed on its "Double-Entente".The crowd of youngsters made me feel like "DADDY COOL"? Ultimately, sexual undertone lyrics with excellent music and a good live performance sells.
Manglorean Konkani musical, "WILFY NIGHTS" (Wednesday 26-10-20110:-Saw the famous Mangalorean singing troupe "WILFY NIGHTS" perform a Mangalorean Konkani musical cum comedy skits programme at Bhaidas Hall in Mumbai.I personally liked the comic pair duo perform hilarious and "CLEAN" jokes with no vulgarity inbetween songs.They were performing for a charity organised by "St Peters association(Barkur) Mumbai", my dads ancestral village in Mangalore. A big thanks to my cousin Martin.Furtado for inviting me for this hilarious comedy cum musical."Wilfy Nights", a family owned Manglorean Drama troupe founded by late Wlfy.Remimbus and now continued by the "Remimbus family",is a trade mark family in "Manglorean Konkani Drama". Prior to this i have seen only Goa based Konkani drama's, most famous being the nightingale of Goa,Lorna.I found Mangalorean comedy of the highest standard akin to a "Woody Allen comedy " although i prefer Goan classical music."Wilfy Nite" comedy is totally based on "Verbal Repartee" and not vulgar posturing of jokes which is very common in Goan theatre where "Homosexuality" bashing is a part of the comedy."Wilfy Nite" have also performed shows abroad for the Mangalorean diaspora.
"The Golden Dragon"(Tuesday 10-1-2012):- Saw this play sponsored by the British council and consisting of a cast of English actors.Was extremely lucky to get tickets for this mind-blowing simple play staged at "N.C.P.A " experimental theater at Nariman point(Mumbai).This theater troupe from England would be performing this play in a few Indian city's, yesterday(Tuesday 10-1-2012) being at Mumbai.It was a very simple almost pedestrian play , akin to a "street Play" but complicated in situations and stanza's where actors change genders, roles, ages and life-form, all in front of the theater audience.The play was directed by Ramin.Gray with actress Kathryn O’Reilly stealing the show with her portrayal of the main character , also a gender reversal of roles.There were a total of of five actors, three men and two women who interchanged genders and roles during the entire enactment of the short almost 80 minutes play.The play was written by German scriptwriter Roland Schimmelpfennig,one of the most prolific dramatists in Europe.Spotted noted Indian media and television personality Mr Anil.Dharker amongst the audience, seated in the front row,adjacent to my seat, hence a close-up view of a journalist i admired as an aspiring writer and now blogger.I was surprised at his height, resembling a jockey since television and the media always give a different view of an individual than in person.He was aristocratically attired in a kurta, the typical attire of avante-garde theater artists and intellectuals in India. Really experienced and viewed something different in the World of Theater including coming face to face with one of the celebrated journalists of India.
"MAKE CHAI NOT WAR"!(Wednesday 18-1-2012):- Better late than too late! On Wednesday(18-1-2012) attended the stand up comedy, "Make Chai not war" show and was for the first time exposed to a new form of theater comedy, based more on language conversation and repartee's rather than "Slap-stick comedy", the traditional form of humour.Bizarrely, i have witnessed two totally different forms of theater in a consecutive sequence, the first being "The Golden Dragon" and now "Make Chai not war".Was surprised at the bold adult humour of "Stand-Up Comedy" and have become a fan of "Word Power" and repartee theater.It was a "HOUSE-FULL" audience at the "MAKE CHAI NOT WAR" stand up comedy by the three American-Indian comedians,Rajiv.Satyal, Azhar.Usman and Hari Kondabolo played at "Y.B.Chavan Auditorium" at Nariman point.Excellent performances and repartee dialogues transgressing religious, ethnic, caste and sex barriers.The show was sponsored by the "American Center(Mumbai)" and free of charge on a "First come, first reserved basis" at the auditorium.Guaranteed that even if this concert was charged and not free it would still be "HOSE-FULL". This was their last show in India and they are departing to U.S.A.
Paul Van Dyk Trance electronic concert:-A bad evening at the "Horse race-tracks" but an excellent night of "Trance electronic music" by Paul Van Dyk at "Hard Rock Cafe" in Mumbai on Saturday(28-1-2012)."LIFE IS A PARTY" was an excellent "HOUSE-FULL" night. Though personally definitely not a hard fan of "Trance music" having been born into the "Rock & roll " generation,it was a truly learning experience of new wave electronic music."BETTER LATE THAN TOO LATE,ITS NEVER BEING TOO OLD TO LEARN IN LIFE"!Thank you Paul for introducing an "OLDIE" into "TRANCE ELECTRONIC".
WRITERS BLOCK-3: "Pereira's Bakery at 76 Chapel Road(Sunday 29-1-2012):- Saw the Writers Block play, "PEREIRA's BAKERY AT 76 CHAPEL ROAD" at the "N.C.P.A Experimental theater".Lucky to get an extreme corner seat ticket for a "House-full show" and as usual , bizarrely saw another "V.I.P in the same seat as journalist Anil.Dharkar was for the previous play "Golden Dragon". Having just returned from Mahalaxmi race-course having suffered a major loss on the "Hyderabad Derby" i was surprised to see a very familiar person entering the theatre.I realised that the familiar face was none other than that of MrArdeshir.Narielwala,Industrialist,Stud farm owner a establishment pillar of Mahalaxmi race-course and horse-racing in India.As a regular "Common Face in the Mahalaxmi race-course" i was familiar with the personal appearances of most "Horse-racing Industrailists and V.I.P's" at Mahalaxmi race-couse in Mumbai. Although this play portrays the Indian catholic community of Bandra, a place where approx 30 years ago the quote was,"If you throw a stone in Bandra, it would either strike a pig or a Pereira"!Forget Bandra, today in 2012, Mumbai is rapidly evolving into plush residential and mall localities in former low income Industrial areas like "Lower Parel" and "Lalbaug" to name a few South Mumbai localities.Generations of community living cultures and lifestyles, most synonymous being "CHAWL LIFE-STYLE" have vanished in some South Mumbai localities. i myself have a phobia of being 'UPROOTED" from "SOBO MUMBAI" my traditional "ADDA" since the age of 8 years?After having quit my profession as a "Marine Engineer" its been a speculative income of "Horse-racing" and "Stock-Market" investment that has kept me "RUNNING" in my house at Prabhadevi, a plush Mumbai locality.I understand the pain of re-location, although not in housing when i quit my "SHIPPING PROFESSION" and ventured into the dangerous and unpredictable World of "Self-Employment Entrepreneurship", my field of expertise being "SPECULATIVE INVESTMENTS".Will be seeing Mr Ardeshir.Narielwala in the "V.I.P Lounge" during the "Indian Derby-2012" on Sunday(5-2-2012) and hope i bet the right horse to prevent me from becoming a victim of "FINANCIAL RELOCATION"!Don't miss this classic play as it speaks volumes of the unbearable pain of relocation and modernization in 21st century Mumbai.
Pierrot's Troupe(Delhi) play "K.L.SAIGAL"(Friday 3-3-2012):-Saw the Delhi produced play "K.L.Saigal" produced by Pierrot's troupe from Delhi. Excellent , but sadly i couldn't understand a few of the "Shaiyarih's" in Urdu as also some of the Hindi/Urdu dialogues. The play was brilliantly produced to exact detail with Yashraj.Malik looking, singing and acting the role of Kundan.Lal.Saigal to the absolute detail. As for noted hindi character actor Tom.Alter, his narrative of the entire play and life of K.L.Saigal as an "OUTSIDER" in chaste hindi/urdu made me an Indian feel like a foreigner in my own country. How can an American be so good at a foreign language which is not his language of birth? I respect Tom.Alter for his once very non-hypocritical comment on T.V in an interview where he said "ACTING" is like "SPORTS" in India, where you are accepted by all sections of Indian society irrespective of region, caste, religion or sex. In both , you are only judged on your acting or sports talent and have to perform individually. Otherwise, communalism is quite prevalent in India.I was surprised to hear this strong and very true picture that was portrayed by an outsider Indian/American something we indians experience in our daily lives but have accepted as a way of living and a part of living.Actor Tom.Alter is an accomplished Cricketer by hobby and his lithe physique is proof of his athleticism and passion for sports and theater.After late cricketer Mr Vijay.Merchants unforgettable quote on retirement in cricket ,quote,"Quit the sport when people ask why and not when", the person, whom i feel spoke his true mind on Indian society is American/Indian Mr Tom.Alter.
"Nostalgia brand chewing gum"(Sunday11-3-2012):- Happened to be my 52nd birthday and later in the evening saw the play "Nostagia brand chewing gum" at Prithvi theatre in Juhu. Besides seeing a brilliant topical play also got to know that "VEHICLE PARKING RATES" akin to fuel rates have taken a massive upward graph in the cost of living of the average Mumbaikar.Is Mumbai copying London in making "Parking fees" at main city junctions exorbitantly costly to avoid excess traffic and encourage public transport usage? As for the play "Nostalgia brand chewing gum",a window to sexual permissiveness and yuppy self-doubts of city living.
"BAD boys of dance"(Tuesday 13-3-2012):-Saw the breathtaking aerodynamic ballet style dance performance of the "BAD BOYS OF DANCE" at St Andrews Auditorium(Bandra) sponsored by American Center(Mumbai).The dance troupe consisted of 5 boys and 2 girls and a big thank you to the American consulate for organizing this free International dance performance for Mumbai audience.It was a total "HOUSE-FULL", the auditorium packed with 800 viewers and please don't miss this dance troupe if they tour your city.They perform all over the World and had already performed at Jaipur,Delhi,Kolkata,Hyderabad and Chenai with Mumbai being their last city on the Indian tour.Fantastic evening of a world class dance performance in Mumbai.
Sunday (19-4-2015) :- "UNFAITHFULLY YOURS" :- Saw this play at the "N.C.P.A" and surprised by its content and sexual permissiveness topic, Very Non -Indian and Westernized ! But isn't Indian city living getting more Westernized in the age of "INTERNET" and "CABLE T.V" ? How many of us Indians are in a "MARRIAGE" but always yearn for the person we could not marry or spend our lives together ?That the play "UNFAITHFULLY YOURS" where a man and a woman meet every year in a hotel to celebrate their illicit relationship although happily married to their respective partners and having children.The play revolves around the illicit relationship that wraps two decades as they age .A very complicated and bizarre play .
LEVIS 501 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT FAMOUS STUDIO IN MUMBAI.
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| At " FAMOUS STUDIOS " in Mahalaxmi celebrating the 146th Birthday of " LEVIS 501 DENIM ". |
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| "DESIGNER JEANS" by Artists on display. |
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| Tailoring exhibition and cocktails. |
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| "Levis 501" Celebrations :- Live Music on the main stage of "Famous Studio". |
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| "Sutra ,An Identity" Levis art installation at Famous Studio. |
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| Definition of the artwork . |
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