Under HelpAge India aegis ‘Stage for Age’ premières for the first time in the national capital, a play with an unusual and quirky title “BHAAG OLIVER BHAAG” this festive season on Oct.14 & 15 at Sriram centre followed by a show at the Epicentre (Gurgaon) on Oct.27. Tickets available on bookmyshow.
Brought to stage by theatre veteran Sarita Vohra by Living Room Theatre, it promises to be an evening of rib-tickling fun and entertainment but with an underlying message.
“This play is an Indianised adaptation of Charles Dickens incomparable classic ‘Oliver Twist’, written in the England of 1837 but so relevant, in the Indian city of today! My association with HelpAge has been a long one since 2004, for me theatre is a medium not just to promote talent but also to raise awareness about relevant issues. The 25 member cast of this play once again highlights that there is no age to follow ones dream, our youngest actor is an 8 year old, while the oldest is 70 plus V.P. Kalra, a retired Airforce man and a professional TV actor,” says Sarita Vohra, Director.
The play portrays humor mingled with hope. One third of the world’s poor children are in India, of which at least 18 million are street kids, either orphans, runaways or abandoned by dysfunctional families with the result, many of them become scapegoats and soft targets. Yet they love their city and do not lose heart . .their hopes and dreams.
“HelpAge has been promoting ‘Active Ageing’ and uses every opportunity to urge senior citizens to live their later years actively doing what they love. Ms. Vohra’s plays provide such an opportunity to many as the cast has actors in their 50s, 60s and 70s as well. We are thankful to Ms. Vohra and LRT who have decided to donate part proceeds of the play to the cause of the elderly,” says Manjira Khurana, Country Head, Advocacy & Communications.
The Play
The subplots from Dickens novel have been done away with but the original story-line remains more or less the same. In this version, Pickpocket Fagin becomes Fagun, Bill Sykes becomes Bill Syko, the enterprising Artful Dodger splits into Jantar & Mantar, Nancy becomes Nainy and shares her role with Betty Bapso & Bulbul. Also added to Dickens list of “Eccentrics” are the self obsessed Aunt Fanny and the impoverished but friendly, Uncle Lollipop.
The 25 member cast includes, children young adults and some senior citizens. Language used in the play is the typical street lingo Hindustani Tapori Bhasha and some English ofcourse!
BHAAG OLIVER BHAAG is a complete entertainment package with foot tapping music, comedy and colour. However, behind this 90minute fun packed presentation lies a serious message, dedicated to the million Olivers, who are still being coerced into lives of petty crime and misery and a strong message to our senior citizens to lead healthy and active lives and Never give up on their dreams.
About HelpAge India
HelpAge India is a leading charitable organization working with and for older people in India for the past 35 years. It runs age care programmes throughout the country & advocates strongly for the cause of the elderly and fights for their rights. It also advises & facilitates the Government in formation of policy related to the elderly.
For Information contact: Sonali Sharma – 9810676562 / Umang – 8802349929