Britain's Filter Theatre in association with The British Council and High Street Phoenix presents an adaptation of Shakespeare's classic, TWELFTH NIGHT in Mumbai...
December 11, 2015 4:37:14 PM IST MTG editorial
Filter Theatre is the brainchild of artistic directors Oliver Dimsdale, Ferdy Roberts and Tim Phillips. The theatre company is based out of Britain and was formed in 2003. They describe themselves as a company that "creates new work and interprets classic texts."
This time around, Filter Theatre in collaboration with The British Council and High Street Phoenix brings an adaptation of TWELFTH NIGHT, written by William Shakespeare, to India for the first time.
Filter Theatre has been known to incorporate supersonic music into their theatrical pieces that are carefully intertwined with text and drama. Hence, this dramatisation of the classic includes rock music, new drama techniques and a contemporary approach.
Next year marks the 400th death anniversary of the legendary playwright and so the theatre group will perform the piece around the world. This version of the play is directed by well-known stage director Sean Holmes and re-directed by Oliver Dimsdale and Fredy Roberts.
The play showcases two different worlds; one of Olivia's clash with Sir Toby Belch and the other; Orsino's pursuit of Olivia. The drama is set in the mystical land of Illyria.
Sean Holmes, Artistic Director, Filter Theatre Company, says, "We are delighted to come to India to perform and showcase our work to Indian audiences sharing with them the rich diversity of contemporary British approaches to Shakespeare's text - it is not all about grand speeches and traditional costumes, it's about theatre for people living in the 21st century. That's the most fascinating thing for us as artists".
This collaboration would not have been possible without The British Council, which is an international organisation for educational opportunities in the UK and for cultural exchanges between the UK and other countries. The British Council in India offers a range of special programmes in the arts, in education and for English language learning, teaching and training.
Rob Lynes, Director, British Council, India, says, "We are pleased to bring Filter Theatre to India for the very first time. Shakespeare is one of the UK's greatest icons, and as we approach his 400th death anniversary in April 2016, we will have a year-long celebration entitled 'Shakespeare Lives'.
Schedule for the shows in Mumbai:
17th December: High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel; 5.30 pm and 8 pm. 18th December: IIT Powai, Mood Indigo Festival
Mumbai Theatre Guide takes no responsibility for change in schedule.
