‘Tee’ proves a class act

On Saturday 26th March, Mt Albert War Memorial Hall was filled with a Marathi audience of all ages. They were eagerly looking forward to the performance of Marathi stage’s popular actress Vandana Gupte. Accompanying her was her younger sister Rani Varma. The sisters were presenting an innovative, multimedia performance called “TEE” literally meaning – ‘She’.
The show depicted the journey of a girl child “Durga” from her birth through the various phases of a typical Indian woman’s life to her graceful ageing as a grandmother in a two hour format. The format was unique as it was not only interactive, but also had audio visual mixing, some wonderful narrative by Vandana Gupte and live singing by Rani Varma.
It started of from the day “Durga” was born and slowly moved towards her adulthood. The intermediate period Durga’s coming of age was wonderfully depicted through songs sung by Rani Varma.
The song selections were apt and almost all the people in the audience hummed along and foot tapped with the hit numbers, having grown up listening to them.
Vandana Gupte’s hilarious take on the young school girl learning to come to terms with narrating an essay in an elocution speech had the audience in splits.
The audiences were again treated to some wonderful lavani by Nupur Raut depicting the approach of teen years and then Hemant Shirsat was crooning as a first time lover.
Vandana Gupte’s narrative through the phases of marriage and subsequent family years brought a tear to the seniors’ eyes. There was not a person in the audience who was not moved by Rani’s singing when she sang the”bidaai” song of the newly wed bride.
The powerful message of the ageing Durga was wonderful. The role of a woman is very important in Indian heritage as she is the link between the two generations, two different families and is a pillar of strength in tough times. Whilst the world may not see it as such, it is “She” who carries forward the traditions and values of generations together.
The success of the shows lies in it being a complete package, strong narration and the ability of it to connect to each and every member of the audience. The script is very tight, the narrative moving and the songs, evergreen. No wonder, that the play has been well received in all overseas locations where it has travelled be it Japan, US or Europe.
Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust Inc (MigHT-i) was proud to bring the show to New Zealand for the first time. It was also the first visit of Vandana Gupte and Rani Varma to these shores. They instantly connected with the audiences, not only in Auckland but in Wellington as well.
The production is performed under their banner “Sister Concern” and has received rave reviews everywhere. The concept was originally thought out by Vandana Gupte literally on the back of a paper and later developed by the sisters. It is no wonder that it has been so successful, as it carries a powerful message which is relevant today. Especially the women love the play as each of them sees a part of themselves being presented in front of them.
Indian Weekender along with SLA Limited and D & R Digital was instrumental in supporting MigHT-I with this venture. The show now moves on to Australia where it will be hosted in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. A real treat for Marathi audiences downunder.
On Saturday 26th March, Mt Albert War Memorial Hall was filled with a Marathi audience of all ages. They were eagerly looking forward to the performance of Marathi stage’s popular actress Vandana Gupte. Accompanying her was her younger sister Rani Varma. The sisters were presenting an innovative,...
On Saturday 26th March, Mt Albert War Memorial Hall was filled with a Marathi audience of all ages. They were eagerly looking forward to the performance of Marathi stage’s popular actress Vandana Gupte. Accompanying her was her younger sister Rani Varma. The sisters were presenting an innovative, multimedia performance called “TEE” literally meaning – ‘She’.
The show depicted the journey of a girl child “Durga” from her birth through the various phases of a typical Indian woman’s life to her graceful ageing as a grandmother in a two hour format. The format was unique as it was not only interactive, but also had audio visual mixing, some wonderful narrative by Vandana Gupte and live singing by Rani Varma.
It started of from the day “Durga” was born and slowly moved towards her adulthood. The intermediate period Durga’s coming of age was wonderfully depicted through songs sung by Rani Varma.
The song selections were apt and almost all the people in the audience hummed along and foot tapped with the hit numbers, having grown up listening to them.
Vandana Gupte’s hilarious take on the young school girl learning to come to terms with narrating an essay in an elocution speech had the audience in splits.
The audiences were again treated to some wonderful lavani by Nupur Raut depicting the approach of teen years and then Hemant Shirsat was crooning as a first time lover.
Vandana Gupte’s narrative through the phases of marriage and subsequent family years brought a tear to the seniors’ eyes. There was not a person in the audience who was not moved by Rani’s singing when she sang the”bidaai” song of the newly wed bride.
The powerful message of the ageing Durga was wonderful. The role of a woman is very important in Indian heritage as she is the link between the two generations, two different families and is a pillar of strength in tough times. Whilst the world may not see it as such, it is “She” who carries forward the traditions and values of generations together.
The success of the shows lies in it being a complete package, strong narration and the ability of it to connect to each and every member of the audience. The script is very tight, the narrative moving and the songs, evergreen. No wonder, that the play has been well received in all overseas locations where it has travelled be it Japan, US or Europe.
Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust Inc (MigHT-i) was proud to bring the show to New Zealand for the first time. It was also the first visit of Vandana Gupte and Rani Varma to these shores. They instantly connected with the audiences, not only in Auckland but in Wellington as well.
The production is performed under their banner “Sister Concern” and has received rave reviews everywhere. The concept was originally thought out by Vandana Gupte literally on the back of a paper and later developed by the sisters. It is no wonder that it has been so successful, as it carries a powerful message which is relevant today. Especially the women love the play as each of them sees a part of themselves being presented in front of them.
Indian Weekender along with SLA Limited and D & R Digital was instrumental in supporting MigHT-I with this venture. The show now moves on to Australia where it will be hosted in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. A real treat for Marathi audiences downunder.
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