Look Who’s Singing

The modern theatrical adaptation of The Snow Queen,set in India,debuted last winter in London. After collecting impressive reviews,the fairy tale by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen — which was adapted by Chennai-based playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar and directed by Rosamunde Hutt — will tour India in August.

The play was produced by Unicorn Theatre,which works with young stage actors in the UK. Chandrasekhar worked with an ensemble of six actors for the play while Hutt stayed in India for two weeks to get a feel of the life and culture here.

The two-hour-long play starts with the disappearance of a character called Kumar in a freak snowstorm on the southern tip of India. Gowri,his best friend,discovers that he has been captured by the formidable Snow Queen,and embarks on a journey across the length and breadth of the continent to save him. From the burning heat of South India,through lush backwaters,glitzy Bollywood and bandit country,Gowri strives to bring the warmth of friendship to the icy north. What makes this version of the magical tale interesting is that it transports the viewers to a land rich in colour,music and unforgettable imagery.

The play will be staged in Mumbai,Bengaluru,Chennai and Coimbatore,with efforts being made to have a show in Delhi.