Devdas – a tragic romance that has been filmed in India many times – is coming to Canberra in the form of a Bollywood musical. And typical of that form, it's a lavish affair with 40 dancers, more than 400 costumes and 15 musicians among the artists combining their talents to bring this new interpretation to the stage.
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Producer Ruchi Sanghi comes from Mumbai and worked with Bollywood choreographers such as Natraj Gopi Krishna and worked in theatre and films as a performer and choreographer. She came to Australia when her husband moved here for work and decided to present some of the culture she knew with Devdas.
She says that although many of the artists, costumes and props came from India, "it was created in Australia, it's an Australian production that opened in Sydney last year and is now travelling to Canberra."
Based on a novel written in 1917, Devdas is told through the eyes of the lonely, elderly Chandramukhi, who was once a wealthy and beautiful courtesan. The story is set in the early 1900s. Wealthy Devdas and less affluent Paro are childhood friends who, as they grow older, fall in love. But the difference in their social status is a barrier for Devdas' family and the young lovers are unable to marry. Paro is made to marry a wealthy older man and Devdas turns for solace to alcohol and to Chandramukhi, who is devoted to him. But he cannot forget Paro, and she can't forget him either.
The dramatic appeal of the tale has led to it being made into more than a dozen films.
"It's a very tragic story and every generation has a fresh version of the same story,'' Sanghi says.
And now comes this musical, following other Indian musicals such as Merchants of Bollywood and Bombay Dreams. Composer Aparna Nagashayana, who hails from four generations of musicians, has written 12 songs to help retell the story with a modern edge.
Sanghi says that although the lyrics are in Hindi, the dialogue and narration is in English to enable Australian audiences to follow the story.
Following the show's gratifying reception in Sydney, Sanghi is hoping to tour Devdas the Musical to all the major cities in Australia.
"We'll see how we go in Canberra and then make plans for the rest of the tour."
Devdas the Musical. Adapted by Anu Shivram from the novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Music by Aparna Nagashayana. Directed by Viral Hathi. Produced and choreographed by Ruchi Sanghi. Canberra Theatre, Saturday, August 16 at 6.30pm. Tickets $30-$87. Bookings: 6275 2700 canberraticketing.com.au .
