Here's your chance to raise the glass for unsung jazz musicians, who lifted our spirits. Playwright Ramu Ramnath and producer-protagonist Denzil Smith have profiled those who passed away into oblivion but gave the city, and Bollywood, music that enlivens us to this day.
Here's your chance to raise the glass for unsung jazz musicians, who lifted our spirits. Playwright Ramu Ramnath and producer-protagonist Denzil Smith have profiled those who passed away into oblivion but gave the city, and Bollywood, music that enlivens us to this day.
Bombay Jazz, the over one-hour-long play, narrates lives of such musicians by profiling one that has had its share of bitter-sweet memories, quick highs and lows, added sparkle but went downhill nonetheless — and that is of Smith's. However, unlike the alcoholic and lonely ways in which the end is described, Smith's has a lot of drama, dalliances and sarcastic friends who add humour.
The play has a unique style of portraying other characters, besides his student Rhys Sebastian D'Souza. Paramours, wives and members of the 'malignant migraine' — a group the protagonist was part of — poke fun as they give their obits through a video.
It descries the philandering and the jocular way in which life lived is looked back on. His six wives remember him for his looks and promises. Some speak of his jealousy while others do not remember him at all. Besides music, the old Bombay is recollected for what it was known for — city to make a quick buck for Goans, who came to give the music to the city, and takes a subtle dig at what the city has become.
The credits
Play: Bombay Jazz
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Playwright: Ramu Ramanathan
Research: Naresh Fernandes
Director: Etienne Coutinho
Producer: Denzil Smith
Performers: Denzil Smith (protagonist/mentor), Ella Atai (paramour), Rhys Sebastian D'Souza (saxophonist/student), Shaukat Baig (group member/friend)
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