"Where Did I Leave my Purdah"

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Comic Drama at the Watermans

Watermans is to present the UK Premiere of, Where Did I leave my Purdah, a new show, by Primetime Theatre Company, one of India’s best known companies working in English language theatre, and a regular at the venue.

Written by Mahesh Dattani, this comic drama is set against the backdrop of the famed company theatres that toured India from the 1940s performing classical and epic drama.

The play explores the life of a famous stage diva, Nazia Sahiba, and her complex relationships with those closest to her.  Against the backdrop of the Indian Partition the story moves between the past and the present, revealing hidden resentments, passions, and long suppressed rivalries, as Nazia decides to direct the classic story of Kalidas's Shakuntala.

The Primetime Theatre Company and writer, Mahesh Dattani’s earlier collaboration  was Dance Like a Man, one of India’s longest running show about two Bharatnatyam dancers past their prime. Here, they return to the same theme looking at what happens to artistes as they get older, and you can’t get big parts anymore!

Featuring a cast of five and among the hottest talent from stage and screen -- Lillete Dubey, Soni Razdan, Neha Dubey, Selina Hotwani, & Sid Makkar --- Where Did I Leave My Purdah “presents a fascinating account of the world of drama and theatre.” Hindustan Times

Bette & Joan meets Bhumika in this story tinged with love, passion and humour.

Where Did I leave My Purdah celebrates the indomitable spirit of the doyennes of Indian theatre, such as Zohra Segal, Uzra Butt and Lalita Pawar.

“Purdah is a polished act, delivered by some of the finest names in theatre today. Even as the curtains came down, the audience were left wanting more.”  Times Of India

''A warm, compelling tale whose chief ingredients are passion, drama, love and humour...a salute to the spirit of the theatre'' - Bangalore Mirror

 

August 20, 2013