The Bottom Line
The Royal Falcon Musical is an hour long feature adapted from the book The Royal Falcon written by Jessi Kaur and illustrated by Pammy Kapur. Scenes from the book have been set to music with lyrics based on translations from the Sikh's holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib.
Expressive dance depicts the story of a young Sikh boy Arjan, played by soon to be 10 year Tegh Zarovar Singh Dhillon. Arjan is angry at a fellow student for stealing a precious possession. He tells his trouble to Kushi, a name meaning "happiness" which he has given to a painting of Tenth Guru Gobind Singh Ji's royal falcon, played by 15 year old Cara Kientz. The falcon comes to life and mystically transports Arjan through time, showing the boy examples of compassion and helping him to experience empathy. With Kushi's help, Arjan's emotions go through a transformation and he is able to replace frustration and annoyance with kindness and concern.
A culturally diverse cast of actors appeals to a wide spectrum audience with their musical message of compassion and unity.
Pros
- English language medium.
- Appeals to a diverse audience.
- Charming and delightful scenes.
- Promotes compassion and sharing.
- Tastefully executed dance and lyrics.
Cons
Royal Falcon Musical Anger Dance
Photo Copyright Protected © [G & H Studios Courtesy IGS NOW]- Limited showings.
- Raises controversial issues not present in the book.
Description
- Concept and Development by Jessi Kaur and Reshma Singh
- Based on book The Royal Falcon by author Jessi Kaur
- Adapted for stage by Tony Kientz
- Directed by Tanna Herr and Tony Kientz
- Music composed by Manesh Judge and Mike Anand
- Lyrics by Jessi Kaur, Tanna Herr and Tony Kientz
- Choreographed by Cara Kientz and Reshma Singh
- Costumes designed by Kitty Lew (Birds)
- Scene Settings painted by Kientz and Sarab Jit Singh
- Spotlight by Brigid Godfrey
- Produced by IGS NOW
- Copyright © 2011 IGS NOW
Main:
- Kushi the Royal Falcon - Cara Kientz
- Arjan - Tegh Zoravar Singh Dhillon
- Young Arjan - Ronak Singh Monga
- Father Bhupi - Jagjot Singh
- Mother Meeta - Charan Kanwal Singh
- Sister Bani - Harzuri Kaur Dhillon
- Cousin - Sufi Kaur
- Cousin - Josh Singh
- Teacher Mrs Fernandez - Ren Hanami
- Tyler - Jackson Kientz
- Penelope - Zeta Weiss
- Bhai Kanhaiya - Jagjot Singh
- Angry Soldier - Inder Monga
- Voice reciting Gurbani - Gurjot Singh
- Soccer/Soldier/Student - Constantin Cole
- Soccer/Skateboard/Soldier/Student - Kieran Godfrey
- Soccer/Skateboard/Soldier/Student - Jaun Santos - Vasquez
- Soldier/Student - Siffat Kaur Kohli
- Student - Emilia Santos - Vasquez
- Soldier - Keerat Singh
- Singer - Jaspreet Singh
Guide Review - The Royal Falcon Musical Play
Royal Falcon Musical Mom Ties Arjan's Patka
Photo Copyright Protected © [G & H Studios Courtesy IGS NOW]Arjan's Room
The curtains open and dancers appear, the youngest only about seven years of age. Throwing their arms, scowling and stomping in time with music, they express Arjan's rage and frustration at having a treasured possession stolen, and being accused by his parents of losing it.
Arjan's parents appear in his room, and order him to bed. His sister bids him good night, her remark about bedbugs sets the tone for a lively, and sometimes comic, drama. I'm a bit perplexed in regards to the role of Arjan's mother. I'm unable to recognize her as a Sikh by her costume, bare head, knee length skirt, pumps and panty hose. However her ease at tying his patka (small turban) is a skill which comes only with much practice. But then, I think back 25 years or so, transported in time to my own distant past, I recognize myself, a mother who expected her son to appear as a Sikh without doing so herself.
Alone in his room, Arjan picks up a portrait of Tenth Guru Gobind Singh with his baaj, the renowned royal falcon. Arjan pours out his troubles to the falcon he call "Kushi" when suddenly she appears beside him in all her royal splendor. Flitting about the stage as she aids Arjan in recovering his stolen property, Kushi steals the show completely with her saucy manner. A feathered headdress states the position of the royal falcon in the Tenth Guru's court as well as any crown. I can't help but feel that a few more feathers placed strategically in the costume portraying Tenth Guru Gobind Singh Ji's baaj would be appropriate for modesty's sake in a Sikhism setting. However, I am utterly charmed and delighted by the caricature and the ease in which it is played.
Go to Part 2 - "Kushi's Flight"
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