The British Council in association with KIIT University has brought to Bhubaneswar an astounding show - Filter Theatre's acclaimed Twelfth Night, a fast and furious reworking of Shakespeare's well-known work.
Twelfth Night was presented at KIIT University here yesterday evening and a show exclusively for students was held at SAI International School on December 4.
Twelfth Night is a fresh, unconventional and interactive experience with the feel of an intimate, rock gig. It is a radically-cut, fast-paced and extremely accessible version of Shakespeare's much-loved comedy, a release said.
It is an intelligent approach by a strong ensemble with striking new techniques that renews the power of Shakespeare for a 21st century audience, it said.
Filter Theatre's production (in association with the Royal Shakespeare Company) showcased the madness of love in this heady world, where riotous gig meets Shakespeare.
Filter Theatre is one of the UK's best and boldest devising companies. This radical and riotous interpretation of the classic Twelfth Night is directed by Sean Holmes and re-directed by Oliver Dimsdale and Ferdy Roberts.
"We are pleased to bring Filter Theatre to India for the very first time. Shakespeare is one of the UK's greatest icons and as we approach his 400th death anniversary in April 2016, we will have a year-long celebration entitled 'Shakespeare Lives.' Filter Theatre's production is a re-imagining of Twelfth Night, which makes it accessible to modern day audiences," said Sujata Sen, Director of British Council, East India.
"We are delighted to partner with KIIT University and thank them for their support in bringing this world-famous act here and for hosting Filter Theatre," she said.
Simon Reade, Producer, Filter Theatre Company, said "We are delighted to come to India and to Bhubaneswar, to perform and showcase our work to Indian audiences sharing with them the rich diversity of contemporary British approaches to Shakespeare's text - it's not about grand speeches and traditional costumes, it's about theatre for people living in the 21st century. That's the most fascinating thing for us as artists."
Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT University) and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) said "We are happy to support Filter Theatre in Bhubaneswar and strengthen India-UK connections."
Filter Theatre has already performed in Delhi, Chandigarh and Kolkata. After Bhubaneswar, they travel to Hyderabad, Goa and Mumbai next.
They not only perform in India, but are holding workshops for schools and theatre professionals on performing Shakespeare's plays and making them relevant for current times, a release added.
