Kanpur 1857
A compelling performance. Highly recommended.
Norwich Theatre
Written by, and starring as an Indian rebel facing a gruesome execution tied to the barrel of a loaded artillery cannon, British-Indian storyteller Niall Moorjani delivered a passionate and illuminating performance alongside Jonathan Oldfield in 'Kanpur 1857' during the show's one-night stopover at Norwich Theatre Playhouse, part of a national tour before returning to The Pleasance as part of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
During the course of the one hour show Moorjani and Oldfield each reflect on, and attempt to justify, the actions of the rebels in rising up against their British colonial rulers, and of the British Army's calculated response and retribution. It is a lively and passionate exchange, accompanied by gentle tabla playing from a seated Sodhi, and revelations from each lead character that attempt to explain and illustrate both the cultural chasm and the common ground that separate and connect the two.
It is a compelling performance, gruesome at times in the detail, but at other times moving, and with the occasional moment of levity. Oldfield, as the British officer, explains how traditional family loyalties to the Scottish Highland clan become supplanted by British Army discipline, whilst Moorjani, as the captured rebel fighter, muses on the gentle beauty of watching kingfishers diving into the waters of the River Ganges.
Amidst the mutual cross-examination of the two characters, there also emerges an imperious debate about gender politics, sexual tolerances and the relationship between art and violence. And this is all delivered in a skilfully mixed blend of dramatic enlightenment and occasional gentle humour.
Highly recommended.
