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British group denied permission to perform in Udaipur
Indo-Asian News Service

Jaipur, Oct 20 (IANS) All efforts to bridge the cultural divide by a UK-based drama troupe proved futile as it found itself caught in an errant administrative mechanism in Rajasthan.

The troupe decided to stage Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in Udaipur for which it was assured all possible help by the government-run West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC).

But trouble started when this 13-member troupe landed in Udaipur on September 22. WZCC then backed out of all its initial promises to help the troupe.

Troupe leader Jarka Heller, who is also the director of the play, told IANS over phone from Udaipur that the idea to stage the play struck during her visit to this city of lakes last January.

"I found the city to be a fascinating place for staging the play. When I returned to UK, I wrote to WZCC seeking their help in performing here," Heller said.

She said, "WZCC on February 15 promised us to provide all logistical help for the show including free rehearsal venue and help in the press publicity and invitations."

"After receiving their assurance letter, I roped in 10 performers from various parts of UK after a long and hectic search", she said. "However this exercise of mine has turned useless now as WZCC has not given us permission to rehearse or perform the play. 

"I am really very sad," Heller said adding that now the WZCC has told them that they have other pressing commitments so they cannot give us permission.

It is learnt that WZCC in its letter had assured the group that the government and local administration would not object to any initiative by the group to raise funds through donations and charities.

"We were taken aback when told that all the earlier promises were now no more valid and we would have to file fresh applications to seek all the facilities and permission along with proper proof of our credentials," said Heller 

Officials of WZCC remained tight lipped over the entire matter. When asked repeatedly they said that they were not sure of the troupe's credentials so they backed out.

Heller is, however, thankful to the Mewar Foundation and especially to former Maharaja (king) of Udaipur, Arvind Singh Mewar, who understanding the plight of the troupe, has offered a portion of the City Palace to them for rehearsals.

"We are thankful to the Maharaja here who has provided space for rehearsals", Heller said. 

She says that any sponsorship for the play or any sort of participation in the play would be a welcome note for us. She also invited Indian artists to join their troupe as performers, which would strengthen cultural ties.