Bollywood creatives work with LJMU students on musical theatre production

Liverpool Screen School and Liverpool School of Art and Design students have spent the past month working alongside visiting Bollywood creatives to put together an immersive musical theatre production that explores the pull between dreams and life in the telling of stories.

Amitosh Nagpal, a writer, director and actor, and Krishan Jagota, a designer, are visiting artists from India with extensive experience in the country’s film industry, popularly known as Bollywood.

Together they have spent the past month hosting a theatre workshop project blending the rich traditions of Indian theatre with the vibrant creativity of LJMU's finest actors and budding creatives.

The culmination of their work will come to fruition this week with the staging of Fireflies at the university’s drama studio on Thursday 30 May and Friday 31 May. The piece uses light, music and magic, promising to be an unforgettable evening of storytelling and drama.

Dr Emma Roberts, Associate Dean for Global Engagement for the Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies, said: “I met Amitosh and Krishan through my work in India as an Associate Dean for LJMU and wondered how we might be able to bring some of their expertise to our staff and students. I’m delighted to have been able to offer them the opportunity to do just that as Visiting Scholars.

“I realised that a project that allows LJMU students to learn about and to experience Bollywood traditions of acting, writing and music would be of great benefit to students who study drama, musical theatre, journalism, screenwriting and fine art.

“Over the last few weeks, Amitosh and Krishan have worked daily with the students, and with Drama Programme Leader Dr Nick Phillips, to co-create this unique production in an Indian format. I believe it is an excellent example of decolonising the curriculum in action, as the students now know much more about Bollywood history and techniques.”

Performance dates and tickets

Dates: Thursday 30 May and Friday 31 May

Times: 6pm to 8pm each evening

Venue: LJMU’s John Foster Drama Studio, 22 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BY.

Tickets: Seats can be reserved for free via Ticket Source.