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Hottomala The Wonderland
The performance debuted at The Bloomsbury Theatre in June 2008 to
a wonderfully diverse audience, in which the subtitled production transgressed language barriers, opening the production to
everyone to enjoy. It is a vibrant and exciting theatre production, manipulating the influences of Bollywood and jatra
(a famous form of traditional folk theatre from the eastern region of India) with the grandeur of carnival. The resulting
style is visually enjoyable and understood universally. Hottomala marries dance, theatre, and music in unexpected ways. It
explores what theatre could be: it stirs emotion, is passionate, mischievous, and makes you smile! Hottomala is soon going to
be going on tour in the UK.
Hottomala takes the audience on a curious and surreal journey where two cheeky
thieves fleeing incarceration find themselves thrust into a utopian idealistic world, a realm in which life is fulfilled by
simplicity and happiness is achieved through a sense of sharing on every level. Here, their adventures explore 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.
The play challenges the notion of the ideal life and
presents its protagonists 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.
Hottomala
the Wonderland was created in 2008 by London based writer and director Korak Ghosh originally from Kolkata. The
production is an innovative adaption of Hottomala O’Pare by award winning Bengali playwright Badak Sarkar (1925-) who
rose to prominence in the 1970’s and was one of the leading figures in the revival of street theatre in Bengal.
“This production not only has all the trimmings and sentiments for a fully fledged Bollywood style
musical-drama, but it has deep political undertones that keep the audience swaying between the good and the two cheeky fun
loving thieves, who slowly come to grips with a Utopian existence. In particular, the theatrical transformations between the
glitzy dream scenes with Enfield motorbikes was a fabulous contrast to more realistic scenes or the police chases through
dark woods. Hottomala the Wonderland is a fun, humorous and accessible production, thoroughly appreciated by Bengali speakers
and with the benefit of English translation for all to enjoy.” Beth Cinnamon, London (Director, Westminster Arts)
“Although I am familiar with Indian film this was my first experience of Bengali theatre and I
was pleasantly surprised. I was aware that not all the cast were professional actors, however this didn’t show in their
performance. The colour and vibrancy of this production really made it an experience to remember and I would be very excited
to see more productions of Bengali origin.”Luke Meader, Guernsey. C.I
“A colourful, vibrant
and energetic performance for the whole family; no matter which cultural background you derive from. Uplifting, standout
comical performances with a universal message that could not be more poignant in today’s clouded society.” Damien
Pettit, London (Actor/fight director)
“A true comedy theatre production; although spoken in Bengali
with subtitles the comedic timings of the actors conveyed the humour brilliantly. Kept us entertained from start to
finish”. “From a Westerners view point and our first taste of Bengali theatre, a refreshing change to see a show
relying purely on acting ability to convey a message rather than special effects. Raw talent brought a wonderfully amusing
story to life with wit and humour. Would certainly recommend to family and friends” Becky & Mark Jempson,
Oxfordshire
“A vibrant show with great laughs, great music and fantastic costumes. Fine
leading actors with gracefully leading ladies work together to bring a bit of romance to this moral tale.” Funmi,
London (Actor)
“I found Hottomala a hugely enjoyable experience – the play was a wonderful
mixture of great acting, musical numbers, dance routines and special effects, full of colour and acted and staged with
energy, creativity and enthusiasm as well as being simple but very enjoyable tale as well – congratulations to the
whole cast and crew of Hottomala – a thoroughly enjoyable night out and great fun!” Ali Palmer London (Actor)
“I have seen Hottomala’s video footage on Channel S and ATN as well. As a theatre worker I can
say, this is absolutely a successful production. Its choreography and aestheticism are really unforgettable” S. Ahmed
Sroat, London, (News Presenter, Channel S TV)
“For me, it was a great experience to watch the play
because as a Romanian I was wondering if I’d be able to understand! I was surprise the acting, the body language, mime
and story made me feel that our cultures have something in common. I felt part of it . The two main actors were outstanding
and kept the audience ‘under control‘!” Ilyana Gruia, London (Teacher, Kelmscott School)
“Visually very strong and acting was also great.” Ali Pretty London (Artistic Director, Kinetika)
“It is very big thing in London to have this show in a mainstream place like Bloomsbury theatre. I am
very fond of Korak Ghosh’s writing and direction; he is consistently putting up something wonderful and unique. In
addition, in the process; bringing together a whole group of young people, which I think, is very good.” Sangeeta Dutta
London (Writer / Director)
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