Mozart comes alive on stage

THE stage is set for an English play being organised by the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) tomorrow night.
Entitled Mozart and Salieri, it is based on English dramatist Peter Shaffer's 1979 stage play Amadeus and the 18th Century work Malenkie Tragedii or The Little Tragedies penned by Russian author Alexander Pushkin.
It tells the story of talent, jealousy and a subsequent feud and will be presented as a typical play from the candle theatre era - during which electricity was not used in the theatre.
At the time, plays were mostly staged in restaurants for the elite and nobles.
The concept of front curtain was unheard of and set and costume changes were done on stage itself.
Mozart and Salieri will, therefore, treat audiences to a play set in the 18th Century, using a standard theatre device from that era, said director P N Mohanraj.
Over 40 actors will take the stage for the event that will take place from 8pm tomorrow at the BKS Diamond Jubilee Hall, Segaiya.
BKS vice-president Varghese Karaykkal said he hoped the international and local theatre communities would embrace the hall as a platform for their activities.
"'Performing arts have a way of binding people together in a common bond - breaking the barriers of language, colour or creed," said Mr Karaykkal.
"Mozart and Salieri is a step towards such a cultural integration, an attempt to bring together the connoisseurs of art in Bahrain to witness and share a togetherness bound by an aesthetic experience.
"The BKS hopes that this theatrical extravaganza will act as a catalyst for more such productions from the multifaceted communities who call Bahrain their home." More than 500 people are expected to attend the event and tables for 10 cost BD100. All proceeds will go towards the Samajam's charity activities. Contact Mr Karaykkal on 39617620 or general secretary Madhu Madhavan on 36662215 for more information.