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Journalism of Courage
With the summer vacation on, it’s a perfect time to watch the bitter-sweet story of a five-and-a-half years old super-nerd unfold on a Mumbai stage. Inspired by the much-loved children’s book by Roald Dahl ‘Matilda’, the multi-award winning production from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), titled ‘Matilda The Musical’, is being staged at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre’ (NMACC) The Grand Theatre till June 2.
The story of Matilda, written by Roald Dahl in 1998, is a celebrated children’s fantasy that tells the darkly humorous story of its titular protagonist who is extremely well-read and bright for her age. Though she has emotionally aloof parents at home and a tyrannical principal at school, she navigates these adversities using her telekinetic ability and wit. The novel, after being adapted for the stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company, has travelled across the world, winning awards and accolades.
What catches the audience attention when one first steps into the theatre is the spectacular set — designed to look like a library. Soon, they discover that the library and books are Matilda’s refuse from her parents, who neither care for her nor understand her. The musical features a cast of strong performers who are impressive all-rounders. They sing, dance, somersault and show their other acrobatic skills. Especially impressive is a song sequence where Matilda’s schoolmates show their excellent movement skills as they perform on swings.
Even though ‘Matilda The Musical’ is visually-rich, what makes this production engrossing is the way Matilda’s unique story is told. One feels the loneliness of the five-year-old who does not receive her parent’s love but is adored by the librarian, teacher and her classmates.
Dahl has given Matilda telekinetic abilities. The musical, which has improvised the original text to make it dramatic, lets the protagonist retain that ability, using it to create surprise.
The RSC began work on developing the musical in 2003. As its creative team, the RSC got on board playwright Dennis Kelly, director Matthew Warchus and musician-composer Tim Minchin. After going through extensive research and development workshops, the musical premiered at the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2010.
This much-travelled production comes to NMACC after it has hosted several other international musicals such as ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘West Side Story’ and ‘MAMMA MIA!’
Tickets available on nmacc.com or bookmyshow.com.
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