 | | Zoobin in action (Pic: Tim Smith) |
Zoobin is the man who's looking for the fantastic forty who'll make up the 'community chorus' in Bollywood Jane, a major production to hit the West Yorkshire Playhouse this summer - and he's coming to Bradford's Alhambra Studio on Sunday 25th February to tease out the talent in the city's Bollywood fans who are wanting to get a LOT closer to the song-and-dance action! Bollywood Jane is described as 'a bittersweet drama' by Amanda Whittington which is set right here in Bradford. With so many people from West Yorkshire set to take part, it's going to be a truly homegrown affair! The production itself tells the tale of disenchanted teenager Jane whose life is transformed when she meets Bradford lad Dini and gets swept up in the wild world of Bollywood. That's where the 'community chorus' comes in as they bring to life the glittering song and dance numbers you're usually most likely to see on the silver screen!
 | | Bollywood Jane (Pic: Tim Smith) |
That's where Zoobin Surty comes in. He's most certainly the right person for the job of talent-spotter, after all he's a West Yorkshire-based Bollywood dance specialist, what's known as a cultural dance ambassador, and Resident Artist at South Asian Arts UK. He tells us he'll be at the Alhambra Studio in Bradford on 25th February looking for nothing but enthusiasm: "The auditions are for anybody and everybody who's over 16-years-old and moves to rhythm. We'll be looking at quality movement, rhythm and COMMITMENT in people!" And, Zoobin says, the auditions really are open to most people in Bradford and beyond - and that includes males as well as females!: "We ARE looking for males. Both males (yes, get out and dance!) and females. It's a myth that Bollywood's female-orientated and all the people who are chosen - whether male or female - will be getting all the support they need to enhance their potential and their dance and performance skills." The successful candidates from Bradford will find themselves working alongside a professional company of actors under the direction of Nikolai Foster - from just up the road in Skipton - whose Sheffield Crucible productions of A Chorus Line and Assassins have already gone down a treat.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý It's hoped the staging of Bollywood Jane at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in June will add to the buzz that is already being felt across Yorkshire in anticipation of the 2007 Indian International Film Academy awards which are being held in the region this summer. Bollywood Jane choreographer Zoobin says he can't wait: "I'm looking forward to spotting more talent in the region and to promoting Indian dance culture within the community and giving a memorable experience to all the participants - the performers, the community, the audience and for me! Bollywood Jane will be seen as a fun, multicultural and colourful experience for all."
 | | Zoobin: Dance expert |
So, with a Bollywood summer on the horizon for Bradford and West Yorkshire, it sounds as if the auditions taking place in the city this weekend could be a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the chosen ones. In fact, Zoobin says he hopes Bollywood Jane could be the beginning of something big: "Well, it all starts here and it's here to stay! With the demand and interest shown in my dance classes, Bollywood Jane will have good effects on the community and will be an eye-opener for some. It's amazing to share Indian dance culture with pride and make it something special all over the UK. It's always a good feeling to be accepted in a different society, and British people are very open-minded and full of life." And has Zoobin got just one bit of advice for those taking part in Sunday's Bollywood Jane auditions in Bradford?: "Hmmmmm! That's a bit difficult, I'd say", he ponders. Then he answers simply: "Have soul. Dance and enjoy!" People wanting to audition for Bollywood Jane should call West Yorkshire Playhouse Box Office on 0113 2137700 for more information and to book an audition time. The Bradford auditions take place at the Alhambra Studio on Sunday 25th February. There are ADDITIONAL auditions at the West Yorkshire Playhouse on Saturday 24th February. Good luck! | 
