Umrao at Artword Theatre

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Two writers from different centuries are rivals over who will tell the definitive version of Umrao's story. Ultimately, it is Umrao who must tell her story, and, as always, has the last word.
Umrao

Written by Geetanjali Shree
Directed by Sally Jones
Produced by Rasik Arts

Preview: Wed, Sept 5, opens Sept 6 and runs to Sept 16, 2001
Tues & Wed at 8 pm: $15
Thur & Fri at 8 pm: $20
Sat at 2:30 and 8 pm: $20
Sun at 2:30 PWYC
Advance reservations: 416-377-0047
More Information: 416-654-9231

Come early!
Mujra (music and dance) begins
a half-hour before each performance

Geetanjali Shree's play is based on the novel Umrao Jan Ada by Mirza Mohammed Razi Ruswa, which, written at the turn of the century, is considered by some to be the most perfect novel in the Urdu language. Ruswa crafted miniatures of those who peopled the courtly Lucknow era, hearkening back to an elegant age of poetry and grace, and created the now-iconic character of the ultimate courtesan, Umrao Jan. The novel, which has been studied by generations of Indian classical arts students, was also adapted into a popular Hindi film in the 1980s, with stylish cinematography and India's top actress, Rekha, playing the main role.
In the 1890 novel, Umrao Jan relates her story to Ruswa. Umrao is a self-sufficient woman and former courtesan of Lucknow. She discusses life as a celebrated poet, singer and dancer in the 1850s. Umrao's life was eventful. As a young girl, thieves abducted her from her family and sold her into prostitution. She developed into a courtesan where she had many rich and powerful suitors. Umrao then survived the 1857 rebellion against the British and subsequent takeover of Lucknow. The novel was adapted into a famous Hindi movie in the 1980s.
The play follows the basic story line of the novel except that Umrao appears and narrates her story to a 21st century writer who seems to have conjured her and Ruswa to the stage while researching the story. Originally written in Hindustani in 1993, the play premiered in Delhi and was translated into English for this production. It relates to Umrao as a woman during the turbulent time in India's history and about her feelings and status in a man's world.
Sally Jones directs this Rasik Arts production of Umrao. It features eight actors including Ellora Patnaik as Umrao, three musicians and dancer Bageshree Vaze. Bradley A. Trenaman is lighting designer and technical director.

		Two writers from different centuries are rivals over who will tell the definitive version of Umrao's story. Ultimately, it is Umrao who must tell her story, and, as always, has the last word. *Umrao*
Written by Geetanjali Shree Directed by Sally Jones Produced by Rasik Arts
Preview: Wed, Sept 5, opens Sept 6 and runs to Sept 16, 2001 Tues & Wed at 8 pm: $15 Thur & Fri at 8 pm: $20 Sat at 2:30 and 8 pm: $20 Sun at 2:30 PWYC Advance reservations: 416-377-0047 More Information: 416-654-9231
	Come early! Mujra (music and dance) begins a half-hour before each performance
Geetanjali Shree's play is based on the novel Umrao Jan Ada by Mirza Mohammed Razi Ruswa, which, written at the turn of the century, is considered by some to be the most perfect novel in the Urdu language. Ruswa crafted miniatures of those who peopled the courtly Lucknow era, hearkening back to an elegant age of poetry and grace, and created the now-iconic character of the ultimate courtesan, Umrao Jan. The novel, which has been studied by generations of Indian classical arts students, was also adapted into a popular Hindi film in the 1980s, with stylish cinematography and India's top actress, Rekha, playing the main role. In the 1890 novel, Umrao Jan relates her story to Ruswa. Umrao is a self-sufficient woman and former courtesan of Lucknow. She discusses life as a celebrated poet, singer and dancer in the 1850s. Umrao's life was eventful. As a young girl, thieves abducted her from her family and sold her into prostitution. She developed into a courtesan where she had many rich and powerful suitors. Umrao then survived the 1857 rebellion against the British and subsequent takeover of Lucknow. The novel was adapted into a famous Hindi movie in the 1980s. The play follows the basic story line of the novel except that Umrao appears and narrates her story to a 21st century writer who seems to have conjured her and Ruswa to the stage while researching the story. Originally written in Hindustani in 1993, the play premiered in Delhi and was translated into English for this production. It relates to Umrao as a woman during the turbulent time in India's history and about her feelings and status in a man's world. Sally Jones directs this Rasik Arts production of Umrao. It features eight actors including Ellora Patnaik as Umrao, three musicians and dancer Bageshree Vaze. Bradley A. Trenaman is lighting designer and technical director.