Classic novel comes to life
AN ADAPTATION of EM Forster’s classic novel A Passage To India will visit the Liverpool Playhouse next week.
Audiences are posed the question: how can we love one another in a world divided by race, power and religion?
This classic story is brought to life by award-winning theatre company Simple8, who create bold, new plays through movement, mime, live music, puppetry and magic to stage work that is inventive and daring.
A Passage To India is adapted and co-directed by Simon Dormandy, who created The Hudsucker Proxy, a coproduction with Royal & Derngate seen at the Playhouse in 2015.
It transports audiences to Imperial India following the story of Aziz – an Indian doctor warned against becoming friends with the English.
After ignoring the advice, Aziz finds himself in jail on a charge of sexual assault and racial tensions and prejudices are laid bare.
Original music is composed and performed live by composer Kuljit Bhamra.
One of the most prolific musicians, composers and producers on the Brit- ish Asian music scene, Bhamra has worked on film and stage scores including Bend It Like Beckham.
The cast features Maanuv Thiara as Mahmoud Ali, Liz Crowther as Mrs Moore/Ralph, Matthew Douglas as Callendar, Christopher Doyle as McBryde, Hannah Emanuel as Mrs Callendar/Stella, Tibu Fortes as Hamidullah, Richard Goulding as Fielding, Nigel Hastings as Turton, Asif Khan as Aziz, Edward Killingback as Ronny, Ranjit Krishnamma as Godbole/Das and Phoebe Pryce as Adela.
Gemma Bodinetz, artistic director at the Everyman & Playhouse said: “Having worked so happily and with such joyous results on the Hudsucker Proxy we are thrilled once again to be home to one of Simon Dormandy’s collaborations.
“This time he is working with the remarkable Simple8 and our regular regional co-producers Royal and Derngate on a contemporary reimagining of EM Forster’s timely classic.”
The play runs February 6-10. Tickets are and available at www.everymanplayhouse.com or via the box office on 0151 709 4776.