The Bocconi Musical: Kashmir Integrating performing arts in a business school community
By Joshua Chua
Throughout Europe, Bocconi University has established a strong reputation as one of the preeminent business schools of this era. So when talking about this Milan based school that is typically associated with economics, management, finance and law, the idea of a vibrant arts and culture community is generally not the first thing that comes to mind.
This May, however, the student run musical theatre group at Bocconi is proud to present Kashmir, a new musical that is based upon William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing but is now set as a rock opera. Kashmir will bring Shakespeare into the world of musical theatre combining a classic tale with some of the most iconic rock anthems of the 70’s and 80’s. Featuring the music of notable bands such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, AC/DC and Queen, Kashmir takes several artistic liberties as it transports the audience to India to tell a story of comedy and love.
Bringing together a cast and crew of over 40 students, all of whom are passionate musicians, actors and dancers, this musical provides an avenue for students to pursue their creative side. This student organization is just one of the many others that exist on campus that strive to provide students with an artistic medium, whether that be on stage or through film, radio or television. Undoubtedly, this musical is a great community builder as it unifies the cast, which is a diverse mix of Italian and international students from both undergraduate and graduate level programs.
Kashmir premieres at Bocconi University on May 23 & 24th, 2012.
Joshua Chua, NSHSS Member and 2nd year Bsc student at Bocconi, is the pianist for the upcoming production of “Kashmir”. Classically trained through the Royal Conservatory of Music, he has 15 years of musical experience with previous experience in musical theatre as pianist and music director for productions of “Fame” and “Footloose.” In the future, Joshua aspires to work in the entertainment management industry and hopes to be a producer and musical entrepreneur in the musical theatre sector.