Hottomala Theatre Production Overview
Produced by Mahua Productions
Written and directed by Korak Ghosh
Based on Badal Sarkar’s Hottomalar O’ pare (The Other Side of Hottomala)
A Bengali Play for Everyone
A Spectacular Theatrical Event! An effortless blend of
Physical Acting, Stunning Visuals, Music and Dance
Hottomala The Wonderland presents the journey of two thieves fleeing incarceration, and thebloomsn finding themselves thrust into a utopian idealistic world. Hottomala explores the fundamental questions of life, challenging the nature and ideals of a capitalist society in which consumerism acts as a shroud for the basic principles of happiness. Hottomala is a realm in which life is fulfilled by simplicity. Happiness is achieved through a sense of sharing on every level. The play challenges the notion of the ideal life and presents it’s protagonist as unfulfilled and uncomfortable within this environment of perfection for they are unable to resist the modern day vices that they carry and are essentially invalid in this utopian world.
Tension is created between the thieves throughout the play, representing the internal dilemma that is created between the cravings of a capitalist society and the goal of the spiritual self.
The narrative of the play aims to remind its audience not to become disillusioned or to forget the true meaning of life. It seeks to question the role of the individual in the search for his/her place in creating utopia within the confines of capitalism whilst illustrating the crude realities of life.
Hottomala The Wonderland is a fusion of traditional Indian/Bangladeshi jatra with the glossy contemporary qualities of Bollywood.
Literally meaning a ‘journey and hence’, jatra is a famous form of traditional folk theatre from the eastern region of India, traceable from as early as the 16th century.
Hottomalar manipulates the influences of Bollywood and jatra with the grandeur of the Cirque de Soleil to create a style that is visually enjoyable and understood universally.
The fantastical world of Hottomala is created through the mediums of dance, music and circus style performances. The musical score is an homage to the sounds of the Asian Underground music movement of the early 90’s encompassing genres such as trance and drum and base with classical Indian music.
Although the use of Bengali language is intricate in the play, we do not see this as a barrier, more as an enhancement to the overall story telling experience. It is the beat of the score that drives the narrative of the play; music and song dominate this folk-drama.
Hottomala marries dance, theatre and music in unexpected ways. It explores what theatre could be, stirs emotion, is passionate, mischievous and makes you smile.
Hottomala The Wonderland is a theatrical spectacular ingeniously transcending the language barriers of Asian theatre through the innovative use of music, dance and performing arts.
From the moment you step into the theatre you are transported to another world. A world of hustle and bustle, a market place, perhaps, where this piece of street theatre would have originally been performed. The electricity generated is infectious and hard for the audience to resist. Being charmed on entering the theatre by cheeky acrobats, you feel each performer is vying for your attention.
In this production language really is no barrier, you bear witness to a new content of Asian theatre, to be explored and appreciated universally. Shying well clear of Asian life stereotypes we are welcomed into a fantasy with principles that are very much relevant in our society today.
By drawing on the sizzling influences of Bollywood and effortlessly amalgamating this with the wonder and grandeur of the Cirque de Soleil, the magical mood of carnival in proscenium theatre is created. The performers are complimented by an outstanding technical team. The use of sound and lighting in this piece are as imperative as the performers themselves.
The play is spell bounding from beginning to end, even in the interval you are seduced by delicious smelling food that is served, a continuation of the street market vibe you have just experience in the auditorium.
With a powerful score that revisits and celebrates the Asian underground music movements that is seamlessly juxtaposed with the traditions of Bollywood and Indian/Bengali classical music.
Hottomala is bold, innovative and challenging. It uniquely embraces and challenges the fundamental questions of life in mystical and childlike manor that is refreshing entertaining, engaging and educating, it is a must see for all people of all ages.
