PRODUCTIONS IN THE 1970s

Amongst the productions in the decade 1970-1980 were:

SACRIFICE, FUSE, PLAYING THE FLAME, YES MEMSAHIB

An adaptation of the 1917 play by Rabindranath Tagore. This was Tagore’s play in protest against the First World War.

Marking the inauguration of Tara Arts theatre company, the adaptation by Jatinder Verma commented on contemporary events – including honour killings – while reinforcing Tagore’s original story about the human cost of dogmatism.

Designed by Terry Furlong, the play was staged at Battersea Arts Centre, August 1977 with the following Cast:

Atul Patel (Musician), Ovais Kadri, Sunil Saggar, Sharad Saggar, Rahul Pande, Praveen Kuplish, Ameeta Bowry, Rajni Thapen, Vijay Shaunak, Kamal Thapen, Sumita Sandhir, Vinit Kuplish, Prastish Judge, Ashok Sharda, Rajni Gujral, Jatinder Verma

A play by Jatinder Verma exploring both racism in school and inter-Asian conflict.

Cast included: Ovais Kadri, Sunil Saggar,Vijay Shaunak, Praveen Bahl, Yogesh Bhatt, Rekha Prashar, Arti Prashar, Praveen Kuplish, Rahul Pande

Directed by Gerald Chapman of the Royal Court Young Peoples Scheme, this play by Jatinder Verma explored sexual relations amongst young Asians.

Cast included: Renu Sethi, Nilu Sethi, Praveen Bahl, Rekha Prashar, Jatinder Verma

Staged after Mrs. Thatcher’s infamous speech about “alien” immigrant cultures “swamping” Britain, en route to her first election victory, this play by Jatinder Verma counter-pointed the betrayal of Asian migrant workers to colonial East Africa with contemporary treatment of Asians.

Cast included: Paul Bhattacharjee, Yogesh Bhatt, Rekha Prashar, Sunil Saggar, Poonam Trikha, Bahaudeen Latif, Jatinder Verma