Melbourne goes back to Bollywood

After ten years, Rajendra Moodley’s hit play The Perfume Garden is returning to the stage in Chapel Off Chapel’s Melbourne 2017 season. Opening night is on August 3, with Bollywood star Vishwajeet Pradhan; Anshu Amol Adrekar; Khema de Silva, Sacha Joseph and Rajendra Moodley as Anand. The Perfume Garden explores mother India’s integration into western society and the expectations of parents. The Perfume Garden has been considerably reworked and rewritten to make it even more topical and relevant to both the Indian community, and all migrant communities. The themes of identity and belonging, along with the themes of family, and love, are even stronger than ever. Set in his parent’s spice shop, Anand is an out of work actor living life in his head. His only escape from the mundane life of selling spices is to fantasize about being in his own Bollywood movies. He dabbles with perfumes and believes the Indian, exotic oils his father used to sell have both medicinal and magical powers.

Many parents, and their subjected children even more-so, will relate to the characters and the story of well meaning parents wanting nothing more than their progeny to settle down, get married and take over the family business. “What we can all learn is that, like Anand, we must look inside ourselves to find the courage to be ourselves,” says writer and actor Rajendra Moodley, “and what better way to learn about our inner feelings than through the magical power of perfume and a hilarious multicultural romantic comedy on the stage?” There are nine (9) dance numbers presented as opulent fantasies, with a dance cast of 15, in stunning Bollywood bling costumes from India. Choreographed by Jagritti Bhatia and featuring a dance cast from Ignite Bollywood and Victorian State Ballet. Lighting design by Jason Bovaird. The play is Directed by Green Room award nominee Paul Watson.

2”“13 AUGUST THE CHAPEL – CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL, 12 LITTLE CHAPEL ST, PRAHRAN 7.30pm: Tuesday ”“ Saturday | 2:00pm Matinee Saturday and 6.30pm Sunday Tickets: $59 Full, $49 Concession, $45 Saturday Matinee Performances, $39 Preview Performance 2 August Bookings: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au or 03 8290 7000 Website: http://www.theperfumegarden.com.au

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