CHENNAI: You might have had this story read to you when you were five, but according to the five member ensemble of The Frog Prince, set to be staged this weekend, this version is no fairytale. Nineteen-year-old Dileep Rangan, who is making his directorial debut with this Masquerade Youth theatre production says, “When I first read the script penned by David Mamet, I was completely blown away. It’s very different from what you would expect with elements of satire and even some political undercurrents along the way.” In this story, the frog – a once pompous prince is transformed into a lowly member of the swamp and aches for a kiss from a pretty milkmaid who has no interest in this liplock whatsoever. In fact, the spoiler is that she’s already engaged!Dileep, who also plays the prince-turned frog admits that the whole experience has been quite a learning curve. “I’ve realised that directing is not about telling people how to act or where to position themselves, but learning how to handle a situation and a group.” Apparently, the once haughty prince will through the course of the play be ‘watered down’ to a more sombre frog prince.So, for parents hoping for a message at the end for their little ones, there will be one. With only a little over two weeks to rehearse, the all student cast seems quite excited at what they have in store for the audience.Tejas Ramaratnam, who plays the role of Bill, the prince’s ‘serving man’ or as he describes, “the best friend who sees him through all his loonyness” promises a lot of laughs, (certainly granted with his script) and offers that the play does address some social issues too. Well, fairytale or political satire, it looks like this unlikely love story is bound to have a lot of takers. (The Frog Prince will be staged on September 9 and 10 at The Alliance Francaise, 7.30pm. For more details, contact 9840618044.)[email protected]
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