Strictly Dandia (2003)

By Sudha Bhuchar and Kristine Landon-Smith

Sudha, Kristine and Sue researched this play during Navratri in North London. It was the first time that Tamasha created a play specifically for the middle-scale. The play opened at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2003, where it won an award for best choreography.

Set during Navratri, Strictly Dandiafocuses on the cultural differences between the generations, embodied in the love story between a Hindu girl and a Muslim boy.  The play takes place over nine nights preceding the festival of Diwali and is fused with spectacular dance sequences, choreographed by Liam Steele of DV8.

Credits

Director  Kristine Landon-Smith
Designer  Sue Mayes
Choreographer  Liam Steel
Lighting Designer  Chris Davey
Composer  Shri (Shrikanth Sriram)
Sound Designer  Mike Furness
Trainee Director  Samina Baig
Assistant Designer  Rachana Jadhav
Original Cast  Sudha Bhuchar, Charubala Chokshi, Susan Cruse, Rina Fatania, Shiv Grewal, Davina Hemlall, Divian Ladwa, Chris Ryman, Rehan Sheikh, Sonit Shringi, Paul Tilley, Fiona Wade

Review

Winner of a Herald Angel 
Award for Choreography

“A new voice from a newly confident community, telling old stories in ways that make them matter again. And to hear that voice is such a pure, life-enhancing pleasure” 
The Scotsman