Mahesh Bhatt's play to be staged in Singapore

Ace filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt is taking his play "Do Deewane Shaher Mein" -- an Indian adaptation of William Shakespeare's comedy "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" -- to Singapore.

The play, presented by Bhatt, will be staged on August 28 at Jubilee Hall at Raffles Hotel in Singapore. This is the first time that it will be shown outside India, read a statement.

"Shakespeare has withstood the passage of time. He stood out owing to his relevance through the generations. Not only do his plays of political conspiracy deliver foresight in terms of modern day ambition and lust for power, even his social comedies are of significance as in its core is stated the truth about propriety and its rootedness," Bhatt said.

The intent was for it to be a part of the ongoing celebration of 400th death anniversary of Shakespeare.

"So, I want this play to be big," Bhatt said.

Produced by filmmaker Rohit Khaitan in association with Moonlight Theatre Society, the play is directed by theatre director Kalyani Hiwale.

Hiwale said: "The play explores love and loyalty as its central theme. It is an entertaining and endearing story dealing with matters of the heart."

The story revolves around two best friends Sunil and Sahil (who are complete technology freaks) and their respective love interests.

National Award winning playwright Danish Iqbal has done the adaptation. The play opened to full house on April 23 and 24 at India Habitat Centre and Sri Ram Centre here.

--IANS

sug/rb/vm