A dazzling display of young talents

A view of the intricately designed set

"In an earlier play, L'ecole des femmes Khondokar had shown his eagerness for mixed-cultural creations and foreign inspiration. In the Moliere play, Khondokar had placed a French drama of the XVII century against the backdrop of contemporary Bangladesh. In Aladdin, the director takes the story from Arabian Nights. The traditional story is adapted to contemporary life for a better understanding."

Myriam Bassinot, the Director and Laurent Jalicous, the Deputy Director of the Alliance Francaise shared their view on the play: "Since the development of the environmental theatre in the 1960s, quite a few plays have tried to eliminate the distinction between the space of the actors and that of the audience to heighten awareness of the theatre. Ashish and his young troupe have done an astonishing job in exploring this aspect of theatre."

The plot: Aladdin had a magic lamp that he unwittingly threw into a dark cave. He too had been later pushed into this cave by the evil one in the story, and the opening of the cave was shut. However, Aladdin had his magic ring, which he rubbed so that the slave of the ring appeared and rescued him. As the story unfolds, Aladdin meets the princess of the land and marries her. Zoraha, the evil character, tries to get his hands on Aladdin's lamp by offering to exchange new lamps for old. Finally, there is a tussle between Zoraha and Aladdin and the hero overcomes the villain.

Ashish Khondokar says the play was adapted by William Glennon and the Friday Theatre School had performed the play of mystery and magic. Khondokar's problem with the play was that it had no sponsor. The play was designed by the environment version. It was out in the open and yet it had the effect of a palace in the background with paintings, pillars and patios. They had been covered over by oriental motifs of the medieval times brought in by the digital prints. The backdrop synchronised the mood of the play. A softly padding camel and a monkey had been included in the cast. Even though there was the sound of the passing traffic in the background, the children's soft voices could still be heard. The children had worked for 48 weeks, two hours each week on this play.

Saqib, who played the part of the villain Zoraha, said that he enjoyed himself and did not have much difficulty in learning his part. Sayonara, who played the role of the princess, said that it was a pure pleasure for her to act and that her parents encouraged her with her theatre role. "The play helps in my development as it gives me confidence," she said. Mittika said that she played the role of the genie and found it a new experience. Other cast members were similarly bubbling with enthusiasm, fun and frolic.