INSIDE OUT FESTIVAL at The Curve
LOCAL LEICESTER CAST TO PRESENT
UK PREMIERES OF TWO NEW PLAYS FROM INDIA
A talented cast of 15 local emerging Leicester actors have been chosen to stage the UK premieres of two new award-winning plays from India as part of Curve’s upcoming Inside Out Festival.
Directed by Curve Associate Director, Suba Das, OK Tata Bye Bye by Purva Naresh and The Pereira’s Bakery at 76 Chapel Road by Ayeesha Menon will run in Curve’s Studio from 17 – 19 April.
Originally performed as readings by the Royal Court Theatre in association with Rage Theatre Mumbai and the British Council, these bold new plays offer a provocative and comedic insight into life in town and country in India today, tackling issues of generational conflict, multi-religious communities, urbanisation and prostitution.
Delightfully comic and heartbreakingly tragic, The Pereira’s Bakery at 76 Chapel Road follows the residents of the close-knit Catholic community of Bandra, Mumbai as they fight to preserve their heritage in a world that is changing too quickly around them.
OK Tata Bye Bye is based on the real life experiences of writer and filmmaker Purva Naresh, is a darkly comedic play tells the story of two documentary-makers who set out to explore the lives of rural Indian women and discover the surprisingly feisty attitudes of women living in villages where prostitution is legal.
As part of their experience in working with Curve on the new productions, the local actors have received a bespoke training programme including masterclasses with leading practitioners from The Royal Shakespeare Company and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Suba Das, commented:
“We have brought together some remarkable performers from across our city to tell these stories of modern India. Curve’s new festival, Inside Out, provides a platform for talented local artists and we are delighted to be supporting these actors in developing their skills as performers throughout the process of bringing these extraordinary new plays to life in our Studio, and connecting our local talent with inspirational leaders from the theatre world. ”
Actress Sharan Phull, 25 from Evington who is performing in both Pereira’s Bakery at 76 Chapel Road and OK Tata Bye Bye added:
”I am thrilled that the New Plays from India are being produced here in Leicester, in a place that celebrates culture and diversity. The Inside Out Festival is a great way of showcasing new work and a way of bringing different members of the community together. This festival is important for encouraging for emerging artists and shows the scope of work that Curve supports and develops.”
Leicester actress Sareena Rai who is performing in OK Tata Bye Bye added:
“I’m massively excited about the Inside Out Festival because I firmly believe that Leicester is a brimming to the edge with talent. From musicians, singers and comedians to actors and writers- I could go on. I’m thrilled that Curve has created a festival to celebrate and hone all of this talent, giving these artists a platform to develop and shine from.”
Taking place over 10 days during the Easter holidays, Inside Out is packed full of exciting new shows, including comedy, dance, and plays as well as family-friendly workshops, free performances, live music and interactive installations – all created by over 150 emerging East Midlands artists who are taking the country by storm.
LOCAL LISTINGS
The Pereira’s Bakery as 76 Chapel Road
Dates: Thu 17 Apr, Sat 19 Apr
Venue Curve, Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB
Performance times: Thu 7.45pm, Sat 2pm
Tickets: £6* plus transaction fee
Ticket Office: 0116 242 3595
OK Tata Bye Bye
Dates: Fri 18 Apr, Sat 19 Apr
Venue Curve, Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB
Performance times: Fri 7.45pm, Sat 5pm
Tickets: £6* plus transaction fee
Ticket Office: 0116 242 3595
For more information visit www.curveonline.co.uk