"I was first attracted to the story of Emil and the Detectives because it is often referenced by great contemporary children's authors like Philip Pullman as a point of inspiration for them. When I read the novel, I was excited by the way Kästner presents a world filled with good people and flawed people. Despite it being a story for children, he presents a complex world where happiness and sadness coexist. This mirrors our approach to making theatre for an audience that includes children and adults," says Slingsby's artistic director Andy Parker, in an email interview from Jaipur, where the company has been conducting workshops in collaboration with a city-based arts initiative. The play will be staged in Mumbai this weekend.

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For a touring theatre company, it isn't always feasible to travel with a huge cast. But challenges such as these are offset with resourceful stagecraft, as can be seen in this two-actor production. Interestingly, Emil's character is portrayed by Elizabeth Hay. "I feel that the central character of Emil is a hero — its gender is not relevant. This is a child's story of discovery, not a boy's or girl's. We hope this allows both boys and girls to really identify with the character," Packer tells us. His work in opera and music theatre reflects in the production, where the score by Adelaide composer Quincy Grant, includes a 10-piece band and a 40-voice youth choir.

"We are always looking for sophisticated sound worlds for our shows — there is nothing dumbed down here about the music," adds Packer. Fitting for a play that, in his words, "shows that there is darkness in the world. But that this darkness serves to make the light moments even brighter and more wonderful."

On January 19 and 20, 12 noon, 4 pm and 7 pm (for ages eight and above)
At Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.
Call 22824567
Entry Rs 750 onwards

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