Hopscotch

No Biz like Showbiz
The usual confusion, last-minute tuning of the music, constant checking and re-checking of the lights8230; just another evening during the rehearsals of Chorus Line, a play by The Danceworx and Scene Stealers. The sets are minimal but interestingly consist entirely of mirrors. With the theatre season officially open8217; in Delhi, the musical which opened Wednesday evening, will continue till August 8, at Kamani Auditorium. The play is an adaptation of an original Broadway musical. Directed by Vivek Mansukhani and Ashley Lobo, it is choreographed by Ashley Lobo and the music director is Babush Santana. The musical revolves around the struggles, dreams and passions of New York show dancers. During an audition, one by one, the actors under the threat of dismissal, are made to tell their stories. The stories are narrated in song and mime, and the play promises some excellent dances and music.

Schooled in Benaras
Gharana divas would not be left disappointed by a concert featuring Pandit Bholanath Mishra, a leading disciple of Pandit Rajan and Sajan Mishra, of the Benaras school. Following close on the heels of a concert before a select audience at the National Museum, the Pandit followed it up with an offering of wider appeal, at the India International Centre. The opening vilambit number in Yaman was well rendered. The familiar raga aura aroused interest in his musicality and an ability to sing it with intelligent inputs. In the long-drawn sargam section, he was musically trendy. The latter half of the concert harboured around seasonal effects. The the preference for a Megh, instead of a more congenial Malhar for a middle piece, aroused interest.

Drama as Therapy
An interesting drama-workshop was held recently at the British Council. Partaking in it were a group of mentally challenged students from Samadhan, and NGOs in the low-income area of Dakshinapuri. Also present were a puppeteer, classical dancer and a reputed drama therapist from Britain. The therapist, Sue Jennings is noted for her innovative work in the field of drama therapy. According to her, drama is holistic and healing8217; and works at all levels. The workshop witnessed the handicapped children in a series of mime, action and sound movements, that were spontaneous and moving. In addition to working with the students, Jennings trained twenty teachers of Samadhan on the different aspects of Drama therapy, so that the system should continue.

Contributed by Shikha Mishra, Subhra Mazumdar and Lekha J. Shankar