For the first time in Hong Kong: An Epic English Drama in Parsi Theatre Style to Celebrate 75 Years of India’s Independence

There is poetry in the air and music soft enough to teleport you to the era of Nawabs and Begums of India as you step into Room 401 in Tai Po Arts Center, where Dr. Priyanka Jain, the playwright and director, along with her actors and production team are working tirelessly to stage the show The Oudh Quatrain on May 22 at the Grand Theatre, Xiqu Center. “We are extremely honoured and grateful to be able to showcase this play as a flagship event of the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong, to celebrate the 75th year of India’s Independence, and as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, she says with a smile.

The Oudh Quatrain is a celebration of the rich culture and heritage of India. “Set against the opulent Mughal era, in the principality of Oudh (Awadh), this play revolves around the lives of Oudh’s last King, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, and his second wife, Begum Hazrat Mahal and the latter’s rise from a commoner to royalty and to finally becoming the first woman to lead Oudh as its regent in 1857,” describes Arpita Mohan, the set and props director.

The era in which the play is set is rich in music, poetry and dance and this play is a celebration of the Ganga-Jamuna culture that thrived then. “Training the non-dancing actors as well as dancers to emulate the Kathak gestures typical to the time and form was a huge challenge, especially when performing to that genre of Kathak which was revived by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah himself, but it is worth all the efforts”, says choreographer Neesha Jhaveri of Sri Shakti Academy.

The excitement among the cast is abundant as they prepare for this play to be staged in a Parsi Theatre format. “Conventionally written and performed in Hindustani verse, transcribing it in English has been a mammoth task’, says the sound director, Shilpa Dhanuka. “It is very Shakespearean in its format and the actors have been voice trained to modulate in a manner that is very era-specific. In instances where the actors' age or gender defies the character, voice actors have stepped in to lend their voices to the characters”, she adds. “This is the firstever attempt globally, to showcase Parsi Theatre in English”, adds Sarika Parihar, production assistant.

In the studio, one can’t help but get drawn to the intricate and exquisite costumes, headgears and props that have been curated and handcrafted especially for this play by the costumes and props director Anshika Agrawal and her team “The era we are trying to show was rich and opulent in every manner. Designing and putting together every bit, from Angrakhas to dupattas to topis and crowns that resonate with the period was an immense challenge, especially when we were building this play through waves of the pandemic”, she recalls.

Sleepless nights, zoom rehearsals, delayed shipments, and then a race against time to put up an act that has over 150 artists involved in various capacities both offstage and on-stage is no mean feat. Each production comes with its own unique set of complications and The Oudh Quatrain is no different. The adaptability, resilience and perseverance of the team speak volumes. “We have been groomed to staging plays amidst pandemic and have grown from one play to another. So, no challenge is big enough to deter us from what we have set our minds to”, beams Sreya Shandilya, the production manager.

“It is always wonderful to work with a team that looks out for each other. The laughter and friendship that has germinated in the process of making this play are memorable and priceless”, chuckles Jaya Islam, the costume and prop manager as she hands the freshly painted sitar, dafli and ektara to her colleague Prajkta Pendse.

“We have performed to full capacity for most of our past productions, and we are most grateful to be able to stage our play once as pandemic relaxations are gradually setting in. The entry is free but limited by invites and we reached full capacity within hours of announcing the play almost two weeks back, thanks to our patrons, friends and audience”, says Saman Fatima, the accounts manager.

“Inevitably this play is cost-intensive, and we cannot do this on our own. Thanks to the unwavering trust and support of our sponsors, Mrs Purviz Shroff and Late Mr Rusy Shroff, Mrs Indra and Dr Harry Banga from Caravel Group and Mrs Shobhna and Mr Lal Chellaram from Chellaram Foundation, the play stands its ground today”, adds Alok Jain, the Producer of the show.