Writer : Mike Kenny Direction : Ujwala Rao Cast : Surubhi Herur & Shrunga B V
BAG DANCING Review
There's nothing quite like the narratives of two oddballs on the edge of society who find happiness and friendship in each other. This shows the power of companionship and the importance of always finding those in our lives who push us to try things outside our comfort zone. A children's play, Bag Dancing, written by Mike Kenny and designed and directed by Ujwala Rao, carries a message that resonates with people of all ages.
When eccentric, sharp-witted Imelda Baglady meets Neville Child, a proud cleaner, their seemingly contrasting worlds collide. Walking around with so many bags and wearing so many layers, which is a great metaphor for the baggage that Imelda carries and the memories that she cannot let go, she puts on a happy smile and harps about dancing, the one thing that brings joy in her life. Neville is quiet but chaotic in his own way, fiercely proud of his job, and constantly telling off Imelda for her drinking habits. There is much banter, bickering, and playful conversation between the two characters, but one can instantly tell that they hide deeper stories.
In spite of there being just two actors, they fill the stage with their presence, and not for a second does the audience feel bored. Imelda's clever nature perfectly matches Neville's childlike behaviour, as she pushes and encourages him to explore and be carefree. The actors matched each other very well, and they carried the show with heir playful bantering.
The sets were minimal, with just two clothes racks that were used to create effects. The various bags that Imelda carries were put to great use, and the broom that Neville walks around with speaks volumes about his character.
With an audience that was filled with young and curious minds, it was wonderful to see many children laughing and enjoying the play. An interesting aspect is that the fourth wall was constantly broken, as the actors directly addressed and interacted with the audience, which made it engaging and entertaining for the kids.
The play also addresses darker themes of loss, regret, and desperation, without ever reducing the essence of the story. It was great to see these concepts handled tactfully and explained well to the younger audiences. Overall, it was a wonderful production, sharing hopeful yet realistic narratives that need to be told even today due to the relevance of these stories
Supriya Rajnish is a writer, aspiring actor, and theatre lover deeply interested in the power of narratives and the immersive world of the arts.
