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Hollywood to Bollywood was first conceptualized by Valli Batchelor, the event’s artistic director, and premiered in 2011 under the sponsorship of the SAEA’s Abqaiq Chapter. "This event is an example of how the arts of movements and music can break barriers, deepen bonds of friendship, and promote health,” said Valli, an Abqaiq resident since 2009 and an Australian national award-winning proponent of multicultural arts. Valli is also a student with the School of Population Health.

Thunderous applause greeted the return of Hollywood to Bollywood, the larger than life production and cultural event held March 13, 2015, at the Abqaiq Theater before a full house of over 200 attendees. The sold out event was sponsored by the Saudi Aramco Employees Association’s Abqaiq Chapter and emceed by Jay Rane, SAEA Treasurer and event coordinator.

This year, the production featured 97 participants, representing over 60 nationalities and ranging in age from 2 to 58 years old. "The creativity and energy was infectious," said Rane, as the performers took to the stage, enthusiastically presenting 27 choreographed performances set to music from Hollywood and Bollywood.

The event was put together based on the benefits of movements to music for community engagement and health.   "In my experience,  there tends to be increased receptiveness for novel ideas when it is undertaken in the name of education or health. Due consideration to cultural sensitivities needs to be observed," Valli has observed.

“It is neither about professionalism nor perfection, but about the magic of community engagement.” Based on its success and high community interest, several repeat productions and sequels have followed in Abqaiq, Ras Tanura, ’Udhailiyah and Dhahran in the past three years.

The Abqaiq Art, Craft and Hobby Group meticulously decorated the stage surroundings with saris, quilts, blankets and embroideries, while the Girls Scouts offered delicious samosas and cookies in the foyer.

This year’s performance began with a contemporary yoga interpretation and continued with popular Hollywood numbers from Michael Jackson’s timeless Billie Jean and Thriller, the classic Flashdance and the Macarena to which fathers, toddlers, teenage boys and young children came together. An empowering Super Girls number with Girl Scouts and middle school girls followed, and Kung Fu Fighting with mesmerizing martial arts.

Middle schoolers performed basketball-themed numbers to Get’cha Head in the Game and Greased Lightning, followed by the catchy Waka Waka and LaLuz, led by two of Abqaiq’s Zumba® instructors, the energetic Erina Kosi and radiant Amparo Bohler. This segment closed with all performers on stage participating in unison to Break the Chain, echoing well-being and freedom.

The second half of the show radiated with enthralling demonstrations, vibrant costumes and energizing drum beats, balanced with tranquil yoga based movements. These performances ranged from renditions of South and North Indian classical pieces followed by traditional Garba to popular Bollywood numbers, such as Dholare, Kajrare, Sivakasi, Bhangra King, Jhoom Barabar and Jai Ho, enhanced with energetic drumming.

The event concluded with all participants performing a calming yoga segment and a benediction recognizing the power of the arts and culture for community health. This was followed by a rousing impromptu encore performance by the entire ensemble.

Motivated participants were a testament to the fulfilling purpose of this event to promote community engagement, social inclusion, health and happiness through intercultural arts. The feedback from adults and children was enthusiastic.

“My 8 year old son Mohammad was so excited and couldn’t stop talking about the rehearsals,” said Abdullah Yami, planning supervisor with the Abqaiq Power Operations Department. “It was so much fun!” said Grade 7 student, Roselle Torres. “My friends and I wished we had rehearsals every day.”

Rane thanked Batchelor for her vision and its realization. He also thanked the Abqaiq Recreation Services Unit for providing vital support in producing this great entertainment and highlighted the Power Operations Department’s support in treating all the performers to an appreciation dinner at the East West Lounge afterwards.

(With thanks for the story to Shama Egbe and Vincent Batchelor, photo credits to Pradeep Sridharan and Shoaib Khan. Original story appeared in The Friendly City Gazette, Abqaiq Saudi Arabia p18-19)

Media references

Fiona Maley , Marketing and Research Coordinator SPH +61 8 6488 1299