Street theatre double first | Auckland Entertainment | Events, Movies and TV Guide for Auckland

Two fresh talents tackle the task of presenting Indian street theatre to local audiences, writes Sharu Delilkan.

When Zetin Moza joined Indian Theatre's Prayas group she had no idea she would end up co-producing its next show, Beyond the Land of Hattamala.

"I started off taking on a marketing role, because of my business background, but the responsibility seems to have snowballed. I've ended up running practically everything from sourcing costumes to driving the cast to rehearsals," she says.

Beyond the Land of Hattamala is an English language, street theatre comedy.

Street theatre is deeply rooted in Indian tradition, more recently used as a method of pushing political points of view and social change.

The play, written by one of India's major playwrights, Badal Sircar, will also be Rahul Gandhi's debut as a director.

"The play deals with universal concepts, portraying various cultures," he says, making the point that he hopes introducing street theatre to Auckland audiences will give the art form a new  life a long way from its origins.

"We're experimenting with the concept, although we're performing it on stage. That's why we've chosen to create an L-shaped stage, to create the feel of a street corner."

This will be the first time a Prayas production has used live music. Besides flute, guitar and harmonium, traditional Indian instruments – mridangam and tabla – will be played.

Although new to the group, Moza says she is undaunted to be appearing in Hattamala. "It's more a privilege than anything else that everyone has put so much trust in me. I'm working really hard to make sure I live up to their expectations and that I don't let them down."

Beyond the Land of Hattamala, TAPAC, Motions Rd (opp. the Zoo), Western Springs, May 29, 7pm and May 30, 2pm. Tickets: ph 845 0295 or see www.tapac.org.nz