Piya Behrupia is truly unforgettable. A rollicking, uproarious and colourful performance that makes you fall in love with Indian folk music, local dialect and of course, Shakespeare’s classic comic characters from Twelfth Night. Diwali Fest treated Vancouver with this talented group of artists that sang, danced and entertained audience without missing a beat. Adhering to the typical Indian style of theatre, the audience were encouraged to cheer the performers by hooting and clapping, and in true fashion the audience hooted, sang and laughed at the humour set on the Indian landscape.
Orsino’s has sent his trusted aid Cesario, a woman (Viola) in disguise of a man, to woo Olivia’s heart but instead Olivia falls for Cesario. Viola has a twin brother Sebastian, who she thinks died in a sea storm but is actually alive. Meanwhile, Viola is falling for Orsino but cannot reveal her identity and true feelings so she succumbs to his wishes of pursuing Olivia for him. Amidst all the confusion and colourful characters fuelling a dose of laughter in every scene, Sebastian enters the picture and breaks the entangled stories brewing on the coast of Illyria.
The translation is perfect. The characters are convincing, almost making it tough to pick a favourite one. And although, being a musical I was skeptical about the collection of the songs that would be played, it was pleasantly surprising to hear compositions with flavours of Sufi and folk music that blended well with the scene.
The only feedback, if anything, I was hoping they could briefly translate the songs to integrate non-Indian attendees into the mood but overall, this was one of the best plays I have attended so far.
