Theatre { watch }

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Jazz

‘Jazz’, a musical directed by Etienne Coutinho, was nominated as one of the outstanding plays of 2008. Merlin received critical acclaim for her compositions which brought to life the enigmatic Jazz music that was an integral element of Bollywood music scores in the 70s and 80s.

Jazz then went on to enjoy success abroad. The musical was staged in Amsterdam and received a standing ovation for excellent performances by Bugs Bhargava, who won a national award for best actor for playing a fictitious jazz musician from the 70s, and the extremely talented saxophonist Rhys Sebastian.

Bus Yun Hi

Romeo & Juliet

Merlin was music director in this modern day adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’ directed by advertising guru and renowned theatre personality, Alyque Padamsee. Merlin’s musical direction was very effective in underscoring the drama in this timeless piece, which had aptly created action and romantic scenes designed for young audiences.

Road

Wizard of Oz

Merlin composed and musically directed the Indian stage production of ‘Wizard of Oz’. The play was based on the 1900 children’s novel ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ by L Frank Baum and was directed by Divya Palat and Aditya Hitkari.

Merlin continues to compose and musically direct for theatre. Her work in theatre also includes:

  • Firebird (Director: Etienne Coutinho)
  • Julius Caesar (Directors: Nasseerudin Shah, Vikram Kapadia)
  • Dhirubhai Ambani International Theatre Productions
  • Willy Russel’s ‘Blood Brothers’ (Director: Noel Godin)
  • Godspell (Director: Pearl Padamsee)
  • Miss Julia, Extremities, Games People Play, Sister Act (Director: Raell Padamsee)