Inspired by topical events in the world and introspection of one’s life, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s spectacular theatrical production Naya Zamana returns next Saturday, August 27, with appearances from sitar player and vocalist Rishab Sharma.
The vibrant musical and dance-infused production will be hosted at the Natural Cultural Centre. Written, choreographed and directed by Dr Vindhya Persaud, the show intends to take the audience on a journey of introspection and trigger their brains to look at matters from a different perspective.
The theme is “Agni Sutra”, which means the threat of fire. There is fire in everyone’s life, whether internal or external, she said and people can think of the mundane ways we use fire, or can interpret it philosophically.
“I think the script this year explores every person and delves deep into a person’s mind based on the choices that they would make, the battles that they have and wage every day, internally between positives and negatives,” the director said.
She added that while the show will make soft social commentary on issues prevalent today, it will not be a depressing production.
“The way in which we look at it is refreshing, because though there are many serious issues dealt with in the production, whether it’s the internal explanation, exploration or the social issues,” Vindhya said, “it’s done in a way that’s not going to depress anyone. It’s going to make you think. It’s going to make you want to act in a certain way. It’s going to make you more aware of things and it’s edutainment in the finest way.”
She explained that every character was crafted with qualities that are relatable to the average person, bringing the show’s experience to life.
With a cast of over 50 young people, the set and costumes will bring the production alive in a form of edutainment.
“[The] value comes from the beautiful sets that we have. I don’t think there’s any other production that has the kind of sets that we would have been doing each year. The costuming is vibrant and It’s exquisite,” she added.
Set and costumes are being prepared by Simantini Trishala Persaud.
She explained that this year’s show aims to bridge the gap of its absence in the last two years due to COVID-19 restrictions.
According to her, even as they have been rehearsing constantly for the past month, they are still making tweaks; adding and removing elements that are suitable for the highest quality production.
A new element of the production this year will be Sharma joining the production cast and utilising his musical talent to serenade the audience. Sharma is a disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar.
“This was a challenging year for me in particular writing the script, doing the choreography and direction that I always do and balancing everything else,” Vindhya said. “And it was also challenging for the cast because we were returning to normal. People are trying to catch up in so many ways: education and work.”
Naya Zamana is known to be a sold out show, due to its large fan following. On many occasions, the organisers are forced to host held over versions, therefore Vindyha is urging persons to get their tickets early.
“We return with a lot of you know, pizzazz, a lot of vibrancy and the dances. I think those dances tend to capture people’s imagination because our song trap for Naya Zamana is also very nice. And every year we effortlessly blend the old with the new, the modern with the more classical traditional elements. So I would say it’s an assimilation of so many different things, and I don’t want people to miss it,” she stated.
Patrons can purchase or reserve tickets by calling 227-6181, visit E-networks at any location, Red Mango on Robb Street, Unique Innovations at Amazonia Mall or at the National Cultural Centre.
The proceeds from the production will go towards the construction of the primary and secondary school.
“All of us voluntarily do this and it’s a labour of love. The students are trained for free by me and Dharmic Kendra. We provide costumes, we provide everything. So it is for the love of what we want to do that gets everybody out there. And also we want whatever we do and whatever we work on, work; the underlying cause is a good one and this is education,” she said.
The show provides the opportunity for the students of the Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra who are taught Kathak and other Indian dances to showcase what they would have learnt.
Naya Zamana translates as ‘New Generation’ and ever since its first production in 1994, it has promoted the talent of youths in art and culture. In its earlier productions the focus was on dance alone but it has since morphed into a full-fledged theatrical spectacle.
Naya Zamana has over the years become the highlight of Indian dance and drama in Guyana.
