Combustion - Final Rehearsal Blog - Week 3

ANDY "Our girls are not Halal meat!"

At the nub of Combustion lies the story of a grooming scandal. Echoes of Rotherham permeate the piece, and with upcoming TV dramas like Three Girls (BBC) - Combustion is a timely play which will get people thinking. 

When someone who shares the same religion as you, commits an atrocity - what can you do to protect yourself against ignorance? How do you educate those who don't understand? What do you do to end the stigma of being associated with something you don't agree with, & find just as atrocious? 

And so we've arrived in our final week of rehearsal (panic face emoji)

Most of this week has found us finally rehearsing in the theatre space at Tara, & working through the piece. Including a stagger through & a run. But additionally we've been able to work on the set, designed by Mila Sanders. And here's an exclusive sneak peek:

Additionally there has been the release of a trailer: https://youtu.be/1TNtRtS_62o

And rehearsal shots: (don't we look a picture) https://www.tara-arts.com/whats-on/combustion/gallery

Oh and cake. There has been lots of lemon drizzle cake this week. Sadly no photos of them, as eating preceded photography. Sorry.

We're about as ready as we can be now. There's an important story to tell here.

Lights, full set and costume braced for the tech. And then we open on Wednesday. 

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog, as that wraps up the rehearsal process. 

See you on the other side- and hopefully at the show!

Combustion runs at:
Tara Arts from 17th- 27th May
https://www.tara-arts.com/whats-on/combustion
Arcola Theatre from 30th May- 24th June
https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/combustion/
Then a short UK Tour


Mitesh Soni
www.twitter.com/miteshsoni_1

Combustion- Rehearsal Blog- Week 2

SHAZ: "I like her a lot. She's perfect...you know."

Love is in the combustible air....or is it?? 

The start of this week has continued with working through the script, going over what we've already done, and begin to refine and polish the piece.

We've had Asif Khan (the writer) in the room with us, so that's helped with any questions people have had. It's his piece, so it's got to be done justice.

One of the great things about Combustion, is that it can be related to by anyone. The idea of keeping family safe; trying to make a success of yourself; understanding others; falling in love; faith, friendship- are all very universal themes. It makes the play all that more human, whilst highlighting very present & relevant Muslim issues. 

But- it hasn't all been script this week. Oh most definitely not.  Fight call; boxing; scene changes; show trailer; photography & costume fittings have all been squeezed into this penultimate week of rehearsal.

We had Renny Krupinski (fight director) come in for an afternoon to help plot a fight. It's a tense moment, but the outcome of it leads to a core element of the story. Giving nothing away but it's short, sharp and, well, packs a punch (so to speak) 

In addition to the fight, he also helped to choreograph a boxing training session. Both Shaz (Beruce Khan) & Faisal (myself) get to do some boxing. Obviously I was giving Anthony Joshua a run for his money (this is a lie)

We had a day on plotting scene changes. There are a few locations on stage (garage, cafe, hospital, bedroom etc) and Mila Sanders' design has given us something very versatile to play with. Added to this, the director Nona Shepphard's ideas soon sees cast members lyrically transitioning from one scene to the next. Moving furniture in a fluid way. (that's the aim- at the moment it's more staccato than harmonic- but in our defence, we've only had 1 go!)

Filming & photography flashing has been constant this week. A short trailer about the play, and rehearsal photos (showing us in the best light) will soon be released - keep them eyes peeled.

And there have been rather joyous costume fittings. Safe to say we all look da bom. Here's a sneak peek of my rather bling trainers for Faisal. 

So coming to the end of week 2 we have a very strong skeleton of a show from start to finish. Structured, workable and looks good. Next week we add them layers and detail. 

Combustion runs at:
Tara Arts from 17th- 27th May
https://www.tara-arts.com/whats-on/combustion
Arcola Theatre from 30th May- 24th June
https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/combustion/
Then a short UK Tour


Until next week
Mitesh Soni
www.twitter.com/miteshsoni_1

Combustion - Rehearsal blog - Week 1

SAMINA: "They don't discriminate who they're gonna kill when they decide to blow up a bus..."

Combustion, Asif Khan's debut play, began rehearsals on Monday at Tara Arts

Its a sparky* piece set in Bradford, during a time when a racist march takes place. And without giving too much away, the play gives a fresh look on racial prejudice. With added humour. 

The week started with the obligatory "meet & greet" aka "who am I working with?" before swiftly being seated* into a first read through.

And its always great to hear the voices of who those characters are going to be. Beforehand, these characters have just been imagined in your head, but now they've been given actual life. Shaz, Faisal, Andy, Ali & Samina are now becoming real. 
Oh, and here is an exclusive first shot of the cast on the first day. 

Much of the week has been spent steering* through the script and slowly analysing the tone of the piece. Breaking it down; working on units; driving* the intentions of the characters correctly.
It's got to hit right for the audience. 

Easy week you may think. But on top of this we've also taken a trip to a Kwik-Fit; had costume discussions (corking ideas); worked out every morning (buff n ting); & been researching various videos to help us. (Bradford Boyz a personal favourite)

So as week 1 breaks* - we go into week 2 with a shift in gear* to see what we can build into an already playfully dramatic piece. 

*Most of the play is set in a mechanics garage. (See what I pun'd there)

Combustion runs at:
Tara Arts from 17th- 27th May
https://www.tara-arts.com/whats-on/combustion
Arcola Theatre from 30th May- 24th June
https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/combustion/
Then a short UK Tour


Until next week 
Mitesh Soni 
www.twitter.com/miteshsoni_1

Paradise of the Assasins- Rehearsal Blog- Week 4

"Until there is unity of belief amongst all people, we live to drive out the infidel...and be rewarded in Paradise" - Deedar

And now the end is nigh. Well, for rehearsals anyway. We've reached the final week of testing, trying, replaying & solidifying what we can do. The cake is well and truly set, albeit lightly.

This week we've been able to rehearse in the actual theatre space. Yep, those first steps have been taken!

Its been a great to finally be in the space which will be our home for the next few weeks- but certainly not without its niggles. I for one have had to remind myself of where exits and entrances are- and its really not that hard! #lostboy

Props too have been making an appearance- the odd fruit bowl, lantern or clothes bundle- finally a reality and not just a mimed action. Again, its the little niggles being discovered-- who takes that prop off, and how do we get it on?

We've got to the point now, where we are just able to run the play over and over. Getting it as clear as is possible before we put it in front of the glorious audience. And because we're all visible/on stage 80% of the time, it means we've really had to be on it.

After our very first run, the second act ran at 1hr 47. But dont worry, its nowhere near that now. Pace pace pace, cue cue cue. (Its a lot shorter)

Amidst all the running we've slipped in some interviews too. Jatinder Verma (AD) joined Asif, Skye and Myself on 2 interviews. One for BBC Radio London and one for BBC Asian Network. (Still available to listen to online!)

As Jatinder mentioned, this story is about love and extremism. On the one hand there's religious fundamentalism, and on the other- the extremism of love. Both strands go hand in hand to make up this show.

From the first readthrough to now, its been a real journey. We've laughed (a lot) we've discovered, and we've really gone into depth. They say religion is one of the things you shouldnt talk about at a dinner table, but we've been at it for 4 weeks.

And now, we're nearly ready! This next week will see us enter tech week. Also known as HELL WEEK- long days, lots of repeating- but we've got to get the sound, light and design right-- all so that you can enjoy this story to the best of its telling.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and hopefully see you on he other side! (aka, in the bar)

Don't forget to book your tickets here: https://www.tara-arts.com/whats-on/paradise-of-the-assassins/

Twitter: @MiteshSoni_1

Paradise of the Assassins - Rehearsal Blog- Week 3

"But hasn't your love for Zamurrud been the reason you've embraced so much evil?" - Princess Balgan Khatoun 

We had bank holiday off! In the land of theatre, this is generally unheard of. Obviously, we took the opportunity to make sure we all had our lines learnt over the 3 day weekend..... or did we?

Learnt or not, this 3rd week of rehearsals started with a bang, or should i say thump. We had the excellent Kevin McCurdy, fight director to the stars, in on Tuesday morning making sure we could all punch, shove, grab & stab each other senseless- IN A SAFE WAY of course. 

Learning new fight sequences, that should look rough and ready on stage, but seamlessly choreographed in a way that no one gets hurt. (If anyone bleeds on stage during the show, then its gone wrong #nobloodplease)

This fighting was swiftly followed by singing with Danyal Dhondy. Making sure we're all in tune, singing the right words....

(If I mumble this part of the song, no one will notice...oh wait, we're ALL mumbling the same bit. #awks) 

But don't worry- we are getting better! 

We've even had initial costume fittings but the majority of this week has been looking back over scenes, & adding even more detail into them. Having reached the point where we've been running scenes "seamlessley" together- its beginning to look a lot like a play.

More of the story has been getting clearer. This week especially, the piece has made me think of sacrifice. 

If the person whom you love more than anything dies (god forbid), but leaves you a note on how to meet them again; how far would you betray your own values, to be with them? That sacrifice, or in this instance, murder,  must really change you- and then what becomes of you? 

These are just some of the questions i'm asking myself from the piece- as i'm sure as audience, you will have your own. 

But this week, myself and some of the cast managed to bag this selfie. And if you want to know why, then read on....

On Thursday Tara Arts' newly redeveloped there had its official opening. Led by artistic director Jatinder Verma; a host of inspiring speeches followed. We had a music treat, great company, & food (TIP- Don't ever eat 29 samosas in 3 hours)

How did that selfie happen? Well London Mayor, Sadiq Khan was in attendance of the opening, and gave thanks to a place he once volunteered. 

He also stated that "London is open, and Tara arts is at the fruit of that meaning."

It was a moving and beautiful inaugration, seeing in a new era to the theatre.

So with that, we follow straight into our final week of rehearsal.....

Don't forget to book your tickets here: https://www.tara-arts.com/whats-on/paradise-of-the-assassins/

Until next week, and my final blog. (Don't cry)

www.twitter.com/MiteshSoni_1

Paradise of The Assassins- Rehearsal Blog- Week 2

"They believed they'd stumbled on Paradise"- Zamurrud

Don't believe it, know you've stumbled on our end of week 2, and we're going at a lick. The whole play has now been roughly plotted. If this was the making of a trifle, then we've now completed the sponge layer. (One for all the GBBO fans out there)- and now its time to move on the the fruit layer. (Maybe the lady fingers and mince layer-#Friends)

In addition to this, we've been singing/warbling away; been papped by a rehearsal photographer & filmed a short trailer. 

Both pics and video coming your way very soon. All this, on top of battling a rather exhausting heat. Phew!

I mentioned in last week's blog about the piece being resonant today, and as we've delved further into the play, its clear to see where the parallels lie.

Our man, Hussain, in order to be reunited with his love, is converted to an extreme sect of a religion that controls his actions, and makes him commit some horrendous crimes. All with the promise of seeing Zamurrud again. He in effect, becomes an Assassin. Controlled by a trio of masters.

In my opinion, this element of the story smacks of how people might get lured into extremism. Controversial I know, but seeing as the book this is based on was written in the 1800s- this idealism/extremism has never been a new thing. 
Certainly, it will make you think.

But fear not- the piece is not all so serious. One of our characters, Mustafa (played by Ralph Birtwell) gets to sing a solo number. In rehearsal this week, it was decided that 3 of us would act as backing to his song. Backing dancers, quite possibly, in the vein of The Supremes.

Now in my defence, all we did was copy Ralph's actions as he sang the song. Very aware that the rest of the room were pretty much in tears with laughter. 

It comes as no surprise then, that the director's immediate response was "Lets cut The Supremes" #RIPHouriSupremes (Thank god no one took a photo of it....)

Guess this is one of the joys, in the rehearsal we'll do things that will never make it into the actual show. An experiment, that sometimes just goes wrong.

Anyway- onwards to the next week. The bank holiday gap may be 3 days, but we've all to have our lines learnt by the time we come back. Bye bye rest. 

We open from 15th Sept, run til 8th Oct - You can find all details and ticket booking here:
https://www.tara-arts.com/whats-on/paradise-of-the-assassins/about

Tweet us using #AssassinsParadise @Tara_Arts

Until next week!

Mitesh Soni
www.twitter.com/MiteshSoni_1

Paradise of The Assassins- Rehearsal Blog- Week 1

"Are you scared? What are you scared of?" - Hussain

Hopefully not the fact I'm writing a weekly rehearsal blog! But here I shall be your window into the rehearsal room of Paradise of The Assassins. So no wasting time, lets get stuck in...

We began, Monday 15th, with meeting the assembled team to take on & present this new piece. No matter how many times you do a show, the first day is always like the first day at a new school. Trepidation, excitement, tea, coffee & crying that mum's left you there. (OK, maybe not that last bit. Maybe.)  

Charged with caffeine, and a tour of Tara's newly developed theatre, we settled straight into a reading of the piece. Or as I call it- "THE TRIAL OF THE ACTORS". 

It's the first time the story is heard with our cast voices, & also the first time the theatre building hear it. Without giving too much away, its certainly an intense piece and will definitely get the audience thinking about all manner of things.

What strikes me most about it, is that even though it was written a few centuries ago, it is incredibly resonant in today's society. Religion- how it can be used to manipulate, & at the heart of the story, what people do for love. But don't worry, its not all heavy as it sounds. There are (hopefully) some laughs.

Swiftly we then get to see the costume and set designs for the piece straight after the reading, and I've sneaked a pic in below- (shhh for your eyes only): 

The next few days are spent looking into the script in more detail together. and breaking it all down into subjects & heading. (When you watch the piece, see if you can spot where we named a particular section of the script "like a virgin") 

And there's also a discussion on how we can possibly show "Paradise" as described in the original book. Abdul Halim Sharar (the writer of the book) mentions "Paradise" being full of lights, jewels, gold sofas, and kebabs.... yep, kebabs. 

Sadly, after much laughter, the kebabs have been fired from the show. #savethekebabs

But then we're up. No resting on our laurels with this one. Moving, plotting, & making character discoveries as we start to work our way through the play, under Anthony Clark's (director) watchful eye. 

Its a chance to play, and see how we as an ensemble can tell the story in the most vivid & entertaining way for the audience. At this stage we're just starting to put the foundation down for us to be able to build on, over the coming weeks.

But of course its not just about learning all the script, making character discoveries, and walking AND talking at the same time while moving from one part of the stage to the next (It can be hard). 

Nope- there are also songs (all composed by Danyal Dhondy)- to listen to, and learn. Easy...peezy?

We're only at day 5,the brains are all fried, but there's a strong team assembled to do this.

The piece itself runs from 15th Sept- 8th Oct and you can find all details below- which guides to booking tickets ;)

https://www.tara-arts.com/whats-on/paradise-of-the-assassins/cast-creatives

Tweet us using #AssassinsParadise @Tara_Arts

Until next week!

www.twitter.com/miteshsoni_1