WORDS: Lauren Rofe
I wasn’t sure we were going to make it to the show on time because we were at the Lucky Dumpling Market for dinner and I’d drooled over every single food van, walked up and back twice, and was still unable to choose from all the mouth-watering options.
My eight-year-old daughter was cartwheeling her way around the market, enjoying the tunes of Big Bao (the DJ), completely unbothered by my indecision. I took a moment to procrastinate-nay, pause, and take in everything around me. Gosh, we are lucky to live in such a beautiful city that is so vibrant and alive.
The Lucky Dumpling market is the hub of the OzAsia festival, which celebrates the coming together of communities and cultures and, after finally scoffing down our delicious bao buns, bubble teas and noodles, we were eager to head over to Dunstan Playhouse to experience our inaugural journey into Bollywood with A Passage to Bollywood by Navdhara India Dance Theatre.
First impressions
The show opened with a classic Bollywood dance routine, and all I could jot down in my notes was VIBRANT, with plenty of exclamation marks! I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage! I was swept away by the explosion of colour, energy, and rhythm that is quintessentially Bollywood.
After the opening number, a narrator gave a brief overview of Bollywood basics and introduced the main characters, with helpful text projected on the stage to clarify the plot if we began to lose track. The narration meant performers didn’t have to use any dialogue and lip-synced throughout the songs (which I hear is typical for Bollywood movies) and this really allowed their dance skills to truly shine.
What to expect
Bollywood is known for its exciting stories, and this show was no exception. It told a beautiful tale of love and friendship, often with a light-hearted twist that gave us lots of giggles. There were some themes that were maybe a little mature for my daughter, but we had read the description on the website and discussed these themes prior (gun violence, death, suicide, and loud, unexpected noises) so we were both prepared and could fully enjoy the show.
The verdict
A Passage to Bollywood is the perfect introduction to Bollywood. The dance troupe’s synchronised choreography was beautiful to watch, the glittering costumes impossible to look away from, and their enthusiasm was contagious – by the final number, everyone in the audience was up and dancing too.
What a privilege it was to take my daughter and experience our first taste of the beauty of Bollywood together!
A Passage to Bollywood
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
This show has finished showing at this year’s OzAsia Festival, which runs until 10 November.
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