The show ran at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban from July 16-18, 2026.
South African Indian
Theatre has endured a long history in South Africa and is constantly evolving.
Bollywood Theatre. A branch of South African Indian Theatre, is growing in
Durban and this is evident in the Nehaal Productions new presentation of NAINA, written and choreographed by Nico
Nehaal.
The story is based on a true story and like many Bollywood Theatre shows, takes its inspiration from Bollywood Cinema, and in this case the stage adaptation of the Rani Mukherjee movie, Black. About a woman born deaf and blind but still resilient enough to complete her schooling and even get a degree at university.
The plot finds new ground in weaving into the storyline the friendship and influence that Naina had of Dev, Kayal and so many others in her community. The theme of alcoholism is highlighted as Dev drowns his sorrow in alcohol after hearing that Naina is diagnosed with an incurable cancer.
I was mesmerized by the costume changes, which were countless, the spectacular dance numbers which are a vital part of Bollywood Theatre and the hanging set which utilized the space well. The dazzling lights were a nice touch. The music selection was mostly from North Indian cinema with a few English songs. I would have liked to see a greater fusion of South African Bollywood Theatre with the incorporation of a few local songs and perhaps some South Indian songs to appeal to a greater audience.
The acting, for the most part, was well-executed in a melodramatic style but not everyone was consistent in the style. The cast, to mention few, apart from some incredible dancers, are:
Naina - Ramanya
Cooper
Dev - Subashen Naidu
Kayal - Angelique
Ramjathan
Nandini - Shalene
Maharaj
Teen Naina - Shanay
Madhan
Teen Kayal - Neshika
Ravidutt
Teen Dev - Shuveer
Singh
Child Dev - Ayushen
Pillay
Child Naina -
Seyarna Cooper Naidoo
I was impressed by
the younger talent on stage, Ayushen Pillay and Seyarna Cooper Naidoo. They
displayed skill well beyond their ages and I look forward to seeing them grow
on the stage. I was also impressed with Angelique Ramjathan and the two older
Nainas. Neshika Ravidutt had wonderful stage presence and is strong in both
acting and dance.
The show runs for three hours which I found a tad bit too long. Time could have been shaved off in the transitions which went on for an excessive amount of time. This said, the action on stage is slick and well-rehearsed. I loved the tent set piece that was used for the wedding scene, along with many of the props used in the choreography.
There was much to admire in this show. Well done to the team on a well-presented show that found its way into the audience's hearts. The show ran at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from July 16-18, 2026. - Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy