Enlightened, but bonkers, Buddhism
MUSICALS & OPERA SIDDHARTHA, THE MUSICAL THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS (VENUE 20)
IT’S not often you see a production which combines Eurovision, Bollywood and Buddhism in a bonkers melange of religious sincerity, electronica and naked chests.
Siddhartha, the Musical is so camp the only thing that could make it any more overthe-top would be if it were still being performed by the Italian Mafia lifers for whom it was first devised in a prison theatre workshop. Since they are still behind bars, a cast of gorgeous non-criminals have taken over.
The result hurtles through the plot of Hermann Hesse’s 1922 novel, attempts to explain the basic principles of Buddhist philosophy and crams in 22 frenetic musical numbers. It is many things, but not boring.
The story tells of how a young prince wonders if there’s more to life than being really, really, good-looking. Leaving his parents and palace, his quest leads him to a river, the Buddha, a courtesan, a merchant, the river again and finally – spoiler alert! – true enlightenment. A couple of pregnant girlfriends along the way are mere collateral damage.
It’s sung in Italian, with supertitles flashing past on awkwardly-placed side screens (familiar American telly face Michael Nouri speaks in English as the narrator/older Siddhartha).
The music is pounding Eurobeat with a slight Hindipop vibe and everything is performed to the highest of high doh – it’s rather as if every song in Jesus Christ Superstar was Gethsemane.
Choreography is slick and acrobatic, against projected backdrops, with special effects or dry ice thrown in every few minutes. Which is ironic, really, given that Siddhartha eventually comes to appreciate the power of being in the timeless moment. For all the camp spectacle, the talented cast’s utter commitment to their tale, and palpable serious intent, shines through. Dementedly entertaining.
ANDREA MULLANEY
Until 24 August. Today 6:10pm.