For the uninitiated, RENT is a Tony and Pulitzer award winning Rock Opera, based on the lives of 8 artists affected by HIV and their struggle in coping with death, drugs, stigma from the society and a normal life. It is one of the longest running Broadway musicals which opened in the year 1996 and anyone who has watched the musical can reason why!
So we decided to bring it to Chennai. Why? Because everyone around us told us - 'Dont, it wont work in Chennai', 'Its too bold for our city', 'Its very tough to get such good talent'!. Now, we have roped in some really fresh talent, with a majority of the cast being first timers on stage. The shows would be staged on February 19th and 20th at Museum Theatre, Egmore at 2.30 pm and 7.00pm. We'll be putting up info soon on where you can buy the tickets!
For our choir direction, Nadisha Thomas has very graciously agreed to don the role and as usual, music direction is under the purview of Shaun Roberts. The musical would be an adaptation, with both movie and play version merged to form Nicholas Productions' RENT! The rehearsals have been on full swing since the month of October and since the message is "Act Up. Fight AIDS", we decided to go a step further, and actually make a difference not just on-stage but otherwise as well.
And then came in Prathyasha - which is a home run by the Mellow Circle of Chennai. They house children affected and infected by HIV and it was an honor when they invited us to spend sometime with their kids. And we decided to do it the patriotic way - On the 62nd Republic Day!
Located around 25kms from Chennai, the home is really spic and span, colorfully decorated for the children with its own playground, dormitory, a cozy dinner hall and a toy room! The youngest tot was just 2 years old and the kids were so full of life despite being looked upon as 'different'! We had a whale of a time, sharing snacks, gifts, playing games, and being part of their joy and laughter for atleast that moment. We winded up the day singing the National Anthem and waved our goodbyes to those very special children....
There's only us... There's only this
Forget Regret... Or life is yours to miss
No other way... No other road...
No Day but Today!!!
