Date:08/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/08/stories/2006120815220200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

It's time for the Christmas pantomime

The Christmas Pantomime takes you to Mexico where Romeo and fair Juliet dwell with `Romeo and Julieto in Mexico'.

Aysha Rau from The Little Theatre (TLT) said they decided on Mexico due to the potential for colourful costumes, Latino dance and music. This year is the 12th production of the annual pantomime by the Little Theatre. It will be directed by Yog Japee, a prominent actor and theatre personality. The cast includes 13 adults and 40 children from TLT.

In keeping with Chennai panto traditions, this one will have song, dance and references to cultural events. You also have the usual — the male lead character is a female, while an important female lead, that is the Dame, is played by a guy in drag. And, of course there is the panto animal. "A well-known story is taken and localised. It is a challenging task to make it suitable for the children and the parents that attend the panto with them," said Yog. It is traditionally risqué, but this year, they decided to keep it proper. The script has been written by the entire cast and is in the process of evolving with each rehearsal, as the panto always allows room for improvisation.

The proceeds of the panto go towards funding middle corporation school projects, such as theatre workshops and spoken English classes. Tickets are priced at Rs.50 and Rs.100, and are available at Landmark, Oxford Bookstore and Pro Music. The shows will be held from December 16 to 19 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Susan Muthalaly

Susan Muthalaly