Vanara — Hackney Empire
Vanara has all the ingredients to make for an epic musical: an ancient legend, a talented cast, a live orchestra, beautiful costumes, and a community of eager eyes awaiting its release. The show had its world premiere this weekend at the Hackney Empire, a fitting venue for the grandeur the story promises. Vanara is the story of two tribes: the Kogallisk, servants of the moon, and the Pana, servants of the sun. The Kogallisk live on a mountain and hone the power of fire, a secret power which they must protect from the thieving Panas, who according to legend can steal a Kogallisk’s inner fire by looking them straight in the eyes. The Panas do not have access to this fire, and so must hunt and trade to remain alive. What then ensues is a battle between the two tribes, with two star-crossed lo...