The Directorate of Art and Culture along with Social Economical Environmental Developing (SEED) Foundation have come together to present a unique musical experience before the people of Goa with the staging of the popular musical, Bombay Jazz.
Bombay Jazz, a semi- autobiographical musical written by RamuRamanathantakes its inspiration from theGoans and Anglo-Indians who introduced the jazz music genre to Indian cinema. The play is based on research conducted by author Naresh Fernandes for his book, Taj Mahal Foxtrot: The Story of Bombay’s Jazz Age.
The show which is open to all will be held on the 1st of October, 2019 at Maquinez Palace, Panaji.
The cast stars acclaimed stage actor Denzil Smith and saxophonist Rhys Sebastian D’souza. With a career spanning 2 decades, Denzil Smith has acted in over 45 plays and 50 films. Smith’s most prominent international film till date is Gurinder Chadha’s Viceroy’s House (film) on India’s partition in 1947 in which he plays the role of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Asa producer, he isthe founder of the Stagesmith Productions. The play Bombay Jazz, is one of its productions. Accompanying him in a key role will be Rhys Sebastian D’Souza a nationally acclaimed saxophonist. The Mumbai based musician is the son of renowned pianist Merlin D’Souza and the grandson of cello player and music composer Sebastian D’Souza. Merlin is the music composer of the play.
David DeSouza, Founder of SEED Foundation says, “Music is an integral part of our culture. Bombay Jazz celebrated the music and lives of many a Goan musicians who lead the Jazz movement in Mumbai many decades ago. The musical is a feast for the senses and one that should not be missed by any music aficionado.”
Between the years 1950-1970, Mumbai was famously known as the hub for Jazz music. And although it harbored a lot of artists, employment and monetary value was a factor that was never added. It was during this time that Bollywood began hiring Jazz Musicians. Many of these employed were Goan musicians. They joined to continue their passion never knowing that it would also get their names written down in history. This play is a celebration of the pioneering of this beautiful genre in India and the people who were responsible for it. The show is open for all.
Contact: 7721804794.
