By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)–Namaste! The world premiere of A Bollywood Robin Hood, a new telling of the Robin Hood story featuring a rich infusion of Indian music and dance, kicks off Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s 60th anniversary season.
Authored by Alvin Chan, the musical play opens Friday, August 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Tenney Theatre on the grounds of The Cathedral of St. Andrew, and continues on Saturdays, August 16, 23, 30, September 6, 13 & 20 at 4:30 p.m. Single tickets are $20 for adults (age 18-59), $15 for seniors (age 60+) and $10 for youth (age 2-17). Tickets at www.htyweb.org or 839-9885.
Photos by Brad Goda
A Bollywood Robin Hood is a colorful, cross-cultural take on the cherished Robin Hood tale, and Sherwood Forest (now the Hills of Aravalli) has never sparkled so bright! While King Akbar is away at the wars, the greedy Vazir of Agra attempts to overtax the poor people of Hindustan for his own personal gain—but it’s Robin Raghuvanshi and his band of merry men to the rescue!
The inequity of the chasm between rich and poor and the concept of “power to the people” are brilliantly addressed in terms even the youngest patrons can appreciate. Punctuated by whizzing arrows, stunningly choreographed fight scenes and infectious song & dance numbers complete with the stylized lip-syncing popular in the Bollywood genre, this musical adaptation of everyone’s favorite outlaw-hero story mixes traditional Indian dance and theatrical techniques with the modern glitz of Indian cinema. Created by the team responsible for A Korean Cinderella, the show promises laughs, dancing and a feast for the senses.
Photos by Brad Goda
A Bollywood Robin Hood is performed by HTY company actors Lavour Addison, Alvin Chan, Maile Holck, Brittni Shambaugh and Junior Tesoro. Director is Eric Johnson; set, props and puppet designer is Chesley Cannon; lighting designer is David Gerke; costume designer is Cheri Vasek; sound design and composition are by Max Louie. Cultural consultant and singer is Sai Bhatawadekar; choreographers are Rohini Acharya and Harmony Turner.
Honolulu Theatre for Youth is Hawaii’s non-profit professional theatre company providing theatre and drama education programs that make a difference in the lives of Hawaii’s young people and families. Founded in 1955, HTY is recognized the world over as one of America’s most honored theatres.