MONTHLY
INSIDE: DESIXPRESS
APRIL 2016 ISSUE No.209
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APRIL 2016
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Is this the story that inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet?
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hizzical Productions in association with the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry present Bring on the Bollywood, a brand new Bollywood musical combining influences from British classical literature and contemporary Bollywood style. City and country, old and new collide at Colonel Pawar’s ancestral home – the shabby and un-chic Lakshman Villa. Confined within these walls, his wife Mrs Pawar pines for the cultural polish of London, New York or Paris! Enter the dashing Bollywood actor Amit and his newly eligible cousin Ronny – a quiet and withdrawn young British man who is here to scatter the ashes of his love. The Pawars have found a potential suitor for their quick-witted and resolute daughter Katrina, who is sharp, sassy and in complete control, until she learns of her parents intentions. What could possibly go wrong? Bring on the Bollywood’s creative team include the critically acclaimed writer and director Samir Bhamra, choreography from internationally renowned performers Subhash Viman and Sonia Sabri and outstanding contributions from multi-disciplinary composer Niraj Chag. The unique sights and sounds of Bollywood cinema are recreated to perfection by musical director Sonum Batra, stage designer Oliver Shapley and Faye Rowse with costume design by Almari and lighting design by Pete Bragg. Director Samir Bhamra said “Over the last decade Bollywood has been revitalised by a new generation of visionaries presenting contemporary stories coloured with the vibrancy of India. We wanted to to take British audiences on a journey to one of the most romantic locales, the Valley of Flowers and fill it with the comedy that comes from a dysfunctional Indian family.” Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England added “One of our aims is to invest in the creation of artistic work which reflects England’s contemporary culture. Phizzical’s production of Bring on the Bollywood will do just that. Mixing iconic elements of Bollywood and British culture, the show will offer a new take on a traditional story that we hope will entertain and inspire audiences at the Belgrade.”
Fresh from her role in the hugely successful Bend it Like Beckham on the West End, Nottingham-born actress Sohm Kapila stars as Katrina Pawaar. She is joined by Adam Samuel-Bal as Ranbir ‘Ronny’ Kapoor who was last seen at the Belgrade Theatre playing Sully in the critically-acclaimed UK Tour of Blood, a co-production between Tamasha and the
Belgrade Theatre. Completing the cast are Sakuntala Ramanee, Rohit Gokani, Bhavin Bhatt, Rishi Nair, Nikkita Chada and Rasheeda Ali. Phizzical is renowned for creating entertaining and thought-provoking theatre and dance that brightens the audience’s imagination with the colour and spirit of Bollywood.
BRING ON THE BOLLYWOOD An all-new Bollywood musical!
Laila:
The Musical
From the creators of the award-winning Britain’s Got Bhangra (People’s Favourite Musical – Off West End Awards), comes a new contemporary musical, retelling the greatest love story from the east. Laila takes shelter from a raging storm in an old bookshop, where she chances upon a book with her name on it. She is compelled to open the book and is consumed by the story – Laila finds herself in an old story and on a new journey… From the Persian deserts, the bittersweet story of star-crossed lovers Laila and Majnu, has been passed down through verse and song over centuries. The story of young love and feuding families is given a modern musical twist, taking you across the sands of time. Will love or fate prevail? “In every heart there is an inclination to love her. Her tresses are like the night, and her name is Layli.” Nizami Ganjavi (Circa 1192)
HAPPY VAISAKHI FROM THE ASIAN TODAY TEAM
POINT OF
LIGHT
SHINES ON SAMRICK S
amrick Singh Bahia was honoured by Prime Minister David Cameron for his efforts in raising over £100,000 for prominent cancer charity, Delete Blood Cancer UK. Samrick, who overcame his cancer battle, was diagnosed with Leukaemia, in January 2013 at the age of just 20.
The student explained to medical professionals how he constantly felt lethargic and run down while studying in his second year at Worcester University, but doctors routinely dismissed his concerns as tonsillitis and low levels of iron. . “I was at uni and I was constantly getting ill,” explains Samrick, from Essington.
“I was tired all the time and always in bed. I went to the doctor but they just told me it was tonsillitis and said I’d be fine." It was only when Samrick reached such a level of fatigue that he decided to give up playing rugby that his coach intervened and insisted he get a blood test. Continued on Page 3