Feroze brings back Nana with a tighter script
View(s):By Sajani Ratnayake
“Doing a one-man show is absolutely terrifying,” says well-known actor, director and playwright Feroze Kamardeen explaining that the whole play rests upon one’s shoulders. Yet not daunted, he is preparing to take the stage once again with the sequel to ‘Grow Up Nana’ – ‘Grow Up Nana 2’, both written and performed by him as it goes on the boards from November 22-24 and 28-30 at the Lionel Wendt.
“Although it is a nerve-wracking experience, when you pull it off, it is extremely satisfying,” Feroze remarks.
With the original play staged last year receiving terrific reviews, Feroze has absorbed the audience feedback and included many points of conversation that people would like to have addressed in the upcoming play. Thus, ‘Grow Up Nana Lozenges’, will contain a “much tighter script”, with many layers to peel back, he assures.
Filled with sharp wit and humour, beyond the jokes, there is also a sincere exploration of the life of a Muslim, as Feroze tackles many of the questions about traditions and customs that non-Muslims may have. He hopes to, “leave the Muslims with a deeper appreciation of their faith itself, and for the non-Muslims, an understanding of the culture as well.”
A familiar name in the world of theatre, many will recall Feroze’s plays over the years. Beginning his acting journey in 1985 at only 13 years of age, he has been in over 30 plays, while expanding his skill as a playwright too. With plays such as ‘Hamlet at Elsie’s Bar’, ‘Freddy’ and ‘Julius Caesar’ under his belt, along with his signature political satire ‘Pusswedilla’, Feroze has grown in confidence as a playwright.
A 14-year hiatus from the stage, however ended when he returned in 2023 with ‘Grow Up Nana’ and this time, he is looking to present a compelling story that will not only display his versatility as an actor, but as a playwright too.
“Grow Up Nana 2” may be a one-man play, but there is a team of over 20 people behind it, among them, artistic director Ifaz Bin Jameel, and producers Rikaz Hussain and Ashan Munasinghe.
With a fine balance between humour and heart, the play provides a fresh perspective on Muslim culture, the script drawing from Feroze’s personal experience too. As ‘Grow Up Nana’ cleared up many misconceptions about Muslims and their idiosyncrasies, ‘Grow Up Nana 2’ promises a similar experience, with the one-and-a-half-hour show not only seeking to entertain but also to bring a new level of understanding about Muslim society.
Tickets and the box plan are available at
www.stagelightandmagic.com
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