“A couple of outsiders come in. They’ve got green eyes. Of course, our girls are going to swoon over them.” - Bharat - Strictly Dandia
Strictly Dandia (2002-2003)
by Kristine Landon-Smith & Sudha Bhuchar
Sudha, Kristine, and designer Sue Mayes researched Strictly Dandia in North London during the Navratri Festival. The play takes place over nine nights preceding the festival of Diwali. Regional and caste rivalries abound as competitors in the dance competition bid to outdo each other with smart moves and step variations. When a muslim outsider (Raza) dances his way to the heart of the most eligible hindu girl (Preeti), sectarian and cast allegiances are challenged.
Spectacular dance sequences, fusing traditional garba, dandia, disco and waltz were choreographed by Liam Steele of DV8.
The play opened at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2003, where it won a Herald Angel Award for Best Choreography.
“A new voice from a newly confident community, telling old stories in ways that make them matter again. And to hear that voice is such a pure, life-enhancing pleasure” - The Scotsman
Credits
Director Kristine Landon-Smith
Designer Sue Mayes
Choreographer Liam Steel
Lighting Designer Chris Davey
Composer Shri (Shrikanth Sriram)
Sound Designer Mike Furness
Trainee Director Samina Baig
Assistant Designer Rachana Jadhav
Original Cast
Sudha Bhuchar, Charubala Chokshi, Susan Cruse, Rina Fatania, Shiv Grewal, Davina Hemlall, Divian Ladwa, Chris Ryman, Rehan Sheikh, Sonit Shringi, Paul Tilley, Fiona Wade
Take a look.
