Mistaken - Annie Besant in India is a new play about the time this formidable woman spent in India during the last years of her life. A fascinating person, Annie Besant helped India in its struggle for home rule – believing she was an Indian in a former life, and spending time with Ghandi talking over which best course of action to take. The story includes the journey of her eldest adopted son Krishnamurti’s path to becoming a major religious teacher.

The story holds attention for the two and half hour stint, but more because of its historical interest and philosophical poignancy than for its dramatic qualities. Storyteller Vayu Naidu is clear and fits the scenes together with grace. Rosalind Stockwell portrays Annie Besant as extremely forthright, and is present throughout the show, although her portrayal lacks some of the charisma of this woman who, although hard, was a fabulous orator and brought many followers to her numerous causes throughout her life. The pairing of this characterisation and that of Annie Besant’s over-eager servant Sidra (Ruby Sahota) gets quite irritating by the end of the first half, which is slow.

The second half redeems the story and the characterisations. Suddenly it moves at a much faster pace, and with new energy. Ruby Sahota's performance comes into its own. The play ends on a warm and poignant note.

Overall, the story is very watchable, and the set unobtrusive, although rather unimaginative, the costumes elegant, the lights well used. For such a formidable figure, one would expect a more striking take on the early 20th century, but the show may be of particular interest to anyone with a specific interest in any of the historical characters – it does give a great deal of information about them.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Rohit Gokani - Gandhi. Ranjit Krishnamma - Narayniah. Vayu Naidu - Storyteller. Narinder Samra - Krishnamurti. Ruby Sohota - Sidra. Rosalind Stockwell - Annie Besant

Company Credits: Writer - Rukhsana Ahmed Director - Chris Banfield. Designer - Marsha Roddy. Lighting Designer - Mark Dymock. Production Manager - Kate Edwards. Company Stage Manager - Sarah Buik. Deputy Stage Manager - Roshni Savjani. Technical Stage Manager - Garry Hoare. Artistic Director - Vayu Naidu.

END

(c) Georgina Edwards 2007

reviewed Wednesday 23 May 07 / Cochrane Theatre

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com