To: Rajeev
From: Darrias (with contributions from Woody)
Subject: Mad Scientist concept and story line outline
Cc: JL, SG

The following is only one version of a possible Mad Scientist concept. It’s just a basic outline without much polishing.

The Concept

Whether this show is a Mad Scientist Lab concept or a Borasura’s Workshop concept the underlying principle is “Edutainment.” This show’s greatest goal is to teach while entertaining. We can mix simple low-tech (“slight of hand”) magic tricks with real science to teach important and useful knowledge.

The Story line (one initial concept)

We first notice the entrance to Borasura’s Workshop by a large sign with three-dimensional convoluted letters and sparking electrical cables. Other then that the entrance is a simple rock cave opening. But we sense that there are faces in the rocks looking at us (sculpted detail).

Following the cave tunnel we enter a vast cavern with bench seating facing a raised stage. The interior of the cavern is cool and moist. We hear the sound of water dripping and wind whistling. On the stage is several tables with scientific equipment and magic paraphernalia such as bubbling beakers, tubes, plasma balls, specimen jars, old books, skulls, strange sculptures, candlesticks and scientific machines with lots of meters and knobs. The back of the stage is a large rock wall with a large opening in the middle. Through the rock opening we see stairs leading up out of our view. Some people in audience notice that the back wall is shaped like a huge face with eyes and a rock opening that looks like a mouth.

Most guests sit down right away but a few of us are wandering around in awe as we inspect this large cave. However we all sit down when the lights dim, not knowing what’s coming next.

With the sound of moaning echoing around the cavern we notice a great figure teetering down the stairways into our view. First we are frightened and then perplexed by look of this huge but strangely comic figure. He seems to be a seven-foot tall pile of rags with a crudely drawn mask on top.

The moan turns into a speech as we hear, “I am Borasura the Great! I am Borasura the Magnificent!” However the figure is teetering and falls back before he can make a third boast.

In the following silence we stare at the pile of rags in amazement as a small youthful face appears out from under the crude mask. “Uh, hello,” the young boy exclaims. He’s very embarrassed as we now know this isn’t the “great and terrible Borasura.”

“Hmm, I guess you’ve guessed that I’m not really Borasura”, says the youth. “I’m really Raju, the loyal … and talented assistant to the great Jadooguru. And he is council to the great Chief Sunverma. My master and teacher is a champion of all fun loving and hardworking people like you. But at this very moment Jadooguru is busy doing battle with Borasura. So I thought I would sneak in here and learn the secret to Borasura’s magic! Then we can help Jadooguru to defeat Borasura and help keep the land of Fundustan a lively and fun loving place.”

We now watch and interact with the young assistant as he explores Borasura’s many magical specimens and devices. We learn many wonderful facts about science and the laws of nature. Raju has learned his lessons well from the great Jadooguru. But Raju was not listening to Jadooguru's warnings when he decided to sneak into Borasura’s Lab!

While Raju is exploring Borasura’s Lab we notice a glow inside a huge sphere on the right side of the stage. This glow turns into Jadooguru in his wise sage costume (head shot projection). He has been looking for Raju and is a little upset with the impulsive young man. But before he can convince the young man to leave we hear the loud footsteps of a giant walking around us (mega bass speakers in surround sound).

“Quickly Raju,” shouts Jadooguru, “hide!” The whole back rock wall begins to undulate as the eyes glow and sharp teeth lower into place. The lighting turns an ominous blue green. The cave opening moves like a mouth as we hear the voice of Borasura inquire, “Who trespasses into my laboratory?” With the appearance of Borasura’s face in the rock wall a battle of wits begins between Borasura and Raju. Meanwhile Jadooguru pleads to the Audience to give Raju emotional and magical support. In this final scene Jadooguru ask us to help Raju by chanting Dadajin and thereby unleashing this magical and fun spirit which chases away Borasura and his evil presence.