Charming play about cat and talking doll will enthrall children at Prithvi Summertime fest in Mumbai

MUMBAI: A charming tale of a cat stuck in a tree who finds a talking doll is set to enthrall children in Mumbai this week.

Gillo Repertory Theatre is bringing its new play to the Prithvi Summertime festival in Juhu.

'Fletcher Aur Zenobia' is a Hindi adaptation of a classic book written by American author Edward Gorey. There are four shows in all, scheduled at 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm on June 10 and 11.

The 60-minute play is designed for children aged five and above.

The adaptation and direction is by Shaili Sathyu. Performers are Vaishali Bisht, Prerana and Jigna Khajuria.

"A Hindi adaptation of an international classic, this is a story about Fletcher the cat, and his adventures when he finds himself stuck in a tree. Then strange things begin to happen: Fletcher finds in his tree an old 'sandook' (trunk) full of hats, and among the hats is Zenobia, a worldly talking doll. To cheer each other up, Fletcher and Zenobia decide to throw a party and then think of ways to escape and return to the land below," said Sathyu.

"A story of metamorphosis and friendship, Fletcher Aur Zenobia is a wildly imaginative tale of wish fulfilment and freedom."

Gillo Repertory Theatre is one of India’s foremost theatre companies working exclusively in the area of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA). "We create performing arts experiences that engage children and young adults with theatre in particular and the arts in general. Our work includes content development, performance and training, and creates opportunities for children to develop deep connections with the arts," Sathyu said.

"We have a group of adult performers who stage short and full length plays for children of different age groups."

Founded in 2009 in Mumbai, Gillo has produced 45 plays in different languages. It has staged 800 shows for 1,70,000 children across India.

The group's past works include Suar Chala Space Ko, Kyun-Kyun Ladki, Hanuman Ki Ramayan, Taoos Chaman Ki Myna, She-He-Shey, Chidiya, Udd! and Captain Coconut.

Gillo's current productions include The Ghost of the Mountains, Mister Jeejeebhoy and the Birds, Gubu-Gubu, Tarik Ka Suraj, Kalpana Ki Cycle, Korika, Boo and Fletcher Aur Zenobia.

Gillo is a member of ASSITEJ India (the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People).