Tara Arts and Polka Theatre have today announced that their co-production of Three Sat Under The Banyan Tree is set to head on a UK tour from 20th January – 2nd March 2019. The production originally played at The Polka Theatre in September 2018.
Three Sat Under The Banyan Tree is the first ever stage adaptation of The Panchatantra (India’s Aesop’s Fables) in the UK. Directed by Tara Arts’ Artistic Director Jatinder Verma, this children’s piece for ages 7 – 12 incorporates masks, movement and music.
Near the foothills of the Himalayas, three refugees open a magical book under a Banyan tree. Stories of a headstrong crow, a brave mongoose, and a tortured tiger come vibrantly to life, with masks, movement and music, to offer lessons for the young refugees seeking to re-make their lives.
This three-hander includes Rose-Marie Christian in the role of Jayaben, Halema Hussain in the role of Yasmin and Raj Swamy in the role of Mahendra.
Artistic Director Jatinder Verma says: “Bringing stories such as Shamser Sinha’s brilliant new take on India’s classic fables, reminds us that diversity is for all, young and old; offering powerful ways for making connections with other cultures and worlds.”
Peter Glanville Polka Artistic Director says: “Polka Theatre are delighted to have collaborated with Tara Arts on this production, bringing to life some of the classic Panchatantra tales for a new generation of children. The show was very well received during its run at Polka, and we are thrilled that it will now be shared with a wider audience of children and families on tour.”
Three Sat Under The Banyan Tree Tour Dates
(correct at time of publication, check with local box office)
Sunday 20 January Watermans, Brentford www.watermans.org.uk
Friday 25 – Saturday 26 January Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch www.queens-theatre.co.uk
Saturday 2 February The Lighthouse, Poole www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 February Curve, Leicester www.curveonline.co.uk
Saturday 9 February New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
Sunday 10th February The Albany, Deptford www.thealbany.org.uk
Saturday 16 February Curve, Slough www.thecurveslough.com
Sunday 17 February The Woodville, Gravesend www.woodville.thebigideaonline.co.uk
Wednesday 20 – Saturday 23 February Tara Theatre www.tara-arts.com
Tuesday 26 – Wednesday 27 February Luton Library Theatre www.lutonculture.com/luton-library-theatre
