“INDIA” – JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF MYSTERY AND WONDER

A SEVENTY-FIVE STRONG TROUPE OF MYSTIFYING ARTISTS HAILING FROM MANY REGIONS OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT COME TO FRANKFURT AM MAIN UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HIS HONOURABLE GAJ SINGH II, MAHARAJA OF JODHPUR, TO ENTERTAIN AND INSPIRE US WITH THE SPECTACULAR WORLD PREMIERE OF THE SHOW ‘INDIA’.

With help of superbly innovative stage technology, Prime Time Entertainment AG transforms municipal space in the centres of European cities into a magical tent village. The huge marquee, in the perfect illusion of a palace landscape, is where the bewitching Indian culture presents itself in a whole manner of new and exciting ways.

Upon entering this fabulous marquee world, it is easy to conjure up the great Maharajas of times gone by as ornate pile carpets, colourful Divans and furniture made of precious woods line the walls, floors and ceilings. You may take in different aspects of life at court by visiting themed rooms such as Sky Garden, Bengal Door, Banyan Lodge Himalayan Court, White Elephant, Emerald Room and also a lively bazaar before the big spectacle in the high Chapiteau begins.

The scene is set by a silently meditating Fakir sitting frozen on a bed of nails and the frenzied whirling dance of a glamorous eunuch. The lights dim, the drums begin to beat and out rush dozens of scantily clad, body-beautiful dancers all undulating to the sounds of Keith Levenson’s groundbreaking fusion of Indian and Western music.

The shows takes you on an awe-inspiring journey to the land of mystery and wonder through performances by fire jugglers, magicians, fakirs, contortionist and musicians; from the ape-men of Jogi who can shin up three meter vertical poles and hold spectacular gravity defying shapes to the mesmerising shadow puppeteer who creates a wonderful catalogue of animals with his bare hands.

The show has been designed by the world renowned Pascal Jacob, an expert in circus arts and Brian Burke who staged the legendary Las Vegas shoe ‘Le Reve’. The encounter with Indian myths and rituals, with dances and acrobatics is truly a work of art firmly embedded in the music, which combines traditional character with a modern soundtrack. This fascinating panorama of a world culture, which is marked by an aesthetical brilliance and erotic charm as well as by philosophical depth, is not to be missed.

“India” is at St Pauli Heiligengeistfeld, Hamburg until 3rd March 2010 then touring Germany and Austria throughout 2010-11

pte-ag.com

Words by Almaz Ohene