The energy in this performance of Bedtime Story is palpable. The beginning and ending work extremely well. It must have been a hugely difficult task to edit Nagakar’s play to a reasonable length for Sydney audiences.
The undoubted star is Avantika Tomar who plays princess Draupadi, a challenging role, with great skill and credibility. Tomar injects drama into her performance without tipping into melodrama. She is a forceful presence on the stage; and has perfect diction and voice projection. I thought her performance was faultless.
Other standout performances are by Neel Banerjee and Suparna Mallick who have charisma as well as that elusive quality of stage presence and the ability to make the role their own. Also Rhea Daithankar and the narrator/commentator who added his own unique dimension to the play. “Krishna” is portrayed with suitable impudence.
The excellent creative use of space had performers popping up from unexpected places, which kept the audience on their toes.
While some actors had convincing facial expressions and body language, their diction and/or voice projection let them down, making it difficult for the audience to hear their lines.
The first half of the play might be somewhat confusing at times for those not familiar with the stories of the Mahabharata. Perhaps the narrator/commentator, who already interacts with the audience, could provide more commentary on the myths and backstory, to complement the visual projections? The second half is tight, focused and easier to follow. It had great impact.
Who knows, maybe the play might encourage people to read some of the Mahabharata, which is now even available on eibooks? It’s great to see the India-Australia connection growing and developing through the arts.
Congratulations to Director Joyraj Bhattacharjee, to Neel Banerjee and to all the cast and crew for bringing a new exciting dimension to Australian theatre.
Sharon Rundle June 2015
