You’ve witnessed the eclecticism of Bollywood songs. Now watch the bewitchment of Spanish zarzuelas and opera. Jesús Clavero Rodríguez, the cultural manager at the Cervantes Institute in New Delhi, is certain that Indians will love the art forms as they’re so similar in nature.
Presented by Instituto Cervantes and Embassy of Spain, in collaboration with the Neemrana Foundation, Life is Short features a cast of Indian opera performers.
“It brings out the best of Spanish folkloric tradition and also interspersing dance, including elements of flamenco, that has its roots in India,” says Rodríguez.
The Short Life premired for the first time in 1913. It’s a lyric drama in two acts. It follows the story of a young gypsy, Salud, who falls in love with a young man named Paco without knowing that he is already arranged to be wed to a woman of his social class, Carmela. A lot transpires between them.
Another act, specially for children, is being arranged. It’s called Master Peter’s Puppet Show inspired from a chapter in the classic novel, Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes, using puppets and the voices of the Neemrana Children choir. The story narrates how Don Quixote was attending a puppet show, and because it was so realistic, that he thought it was actually real. He jumped onto the stage and fought the puppets.
Rodríguez is part of the community of expats and Indians, committed to promoting cultural exchanges between the East and West through music.
“The response has been encouraging. It’ll be nice if music can continue to bring people together,” he says.
Master Peter’s Puppet Show: April 23, at 5 pm and 7 pm, at The Park Hotel; Master Peter’s Puppet Show and Life is Short, April 27 at 6.30 pm, at the Lotus Temple auditorium.