Talking cinema, for the stage

Lovers of British theatre can block their diaries as famous playwright Nicholas Wright's new play, Travelling Light, will be staged in the city. The play is a take on East European immigrants and their tryst with Hollywood

Travelling Light is a humourous tribute to the Eastern European immigrants, who became major players in Hollywood's Golden Age.



Starring South African-born British actor Antony Sher, the play has been directed by Nicholas Hytner and will be screened as a collaboration between The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and UK's National Theatre.

"Nicholas Wright's new play is fascinating. We are sure to enthrall Indian audiences once again with our latest production," says David Sabel, Head of Digital Media and Producer, National Theatre.

The play is set in the early 20th century, and revolves around the inhabitants of a remote village in eastern Europe. Inheriting his father's cinematograph, a young boy, Motl Mendl is persuaded to document daily life in moving pictures.
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Financed by a timber-merchant, Jacob, and inspired by an adored servant-girl, Anna, Motl discovers the possibilities of close-ups, cutting and montage.

But when he tries to direct a fictional story, he confronts the perils of movie-making and has to decide if it is time to escape.

"After a month-long break, we are proud to present another screening of a wonderful NT live production Travelling Light for our audiences.

With this play, what we achieve visually is a faithful evocation of the past, the laying of the foundations of Hollywood cinema that makes it a must watch," says Deepa Gahlot, Head ufffd Programming (Theatre & Film), NCPA.

ON: February 18 and 19
TIME: 3 pm and 7 pm
AT: Dance Theatre Godrej, NCPA, Nariman Point.
CALL: 22824567