The Jungle Book

Nautanki Theatre have undertaken a play that requires fairly difficult physical choreography and characterisation – and a lot of organisation. This is always hard, especially if moving on to the stage with only a short time to co-ordinate the action and dialogue.

Often this results in awkward hesitations and broken pace, and unfortunately this was the case on opening night.

Whilst they must be admired for their enthusiasm, the cast seemed somewhat out of kilter with the action, despite their obvious fitness and physical stamina. This resulted in untidy scene changes that need much tighter direction and rehearsal. Similar problems with lines led to embarrassing pauses that spoilt the continuity of the dialogue.

The set creates the jungle scenes and levels well, and the lighting is atmospheric (though a little too dark at times). The use of shadow puppets that simply mirror scenes on the stage adds little to the action or intent of the production. Not so the drums and music that herald the action and some scenes. They are very effective.

As Mowgli, Khanh Trieu sustains perhaps the strongest performance. He uses physicality and expression relatively successfully as he moves from small child to wolf-boy to young man, caught between alien villagers and his animal protectors, played by Chira Fernando Jnr and Neel Banerjee.

Perhaps the pace and continuity will pick up for the next two performances as the cast become more comfortable in their jungle set.

Carol Wimmer