Director and choreographer Gary Clarke has collaborated with dramaturg Lou Cope to tell a 100-year-old Hindi short story from World War I which will have its UK première in Leicester before going on a UK tour.
South Asian dance organisation Akademi’s production The Troth will use archive and new silent film footage to tell a story of love, loss and sacrifice against the backdrop of the horror and conflict of World War I. Inspired by film noir and the era of black-and-white films, The Troth “weaves its poignant narrative” through dance, music and film.
Based on Chandradhar Sharma Guleri’s Hindi short story Usne Kaha Tha, The Troth is about a soldier, Sardar Lehna Singh, and the sacrifice he makes to keep his secret promise to an unrequited love while in the trenches of Belgium.
More than 1.3 million Indians contributed active service in World War I and were the largest voluntary force ever assembled. The Troth reveals the contribution and human cost of Indian soldiers to the allied war effort.
British armed forces have advised the creative team on military training, movement, aesthetics and music of the period.
The cast includes Kathak dancer Vidya Patel, finalist in BBC Young Dancer of the Year 2015 who has performed with the Richard Alston dance company.
Akademi director Mira Kaushik OBE said, “Usne Kaha Tha is a classic of Hindi literature, loved by millions. Our production will be a powerful ‘living silent film’ and is Akademi’s first theatre show after nearly 20 years of primarily outdoor performances.
“This Indo-UK artistic collaboration has galvanised partners from both countries—including Arts Council England, British Council, the Government of India’s Ministries of Culture and External Affairs, and the British Army—to reveal the vital contribution made by Indian soldiers to World War I.”
The Troth will be staged at Curve, Leicester on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 February. It then tours to ArtsEkta Belfast, Tacchi Morris Theatre Taunton, The Arts Centre Ormskirk and Duke’s Theatre, Lancaster until 16 March.