Theatre

Ethereal scenes

The adaptation of ‘Macbeth’ in Malayalam was thought-provoking. ‘Macbeth,’ the latest attempt in Malayalam to reinvent Shakespeare’s tragic play, was not just another block in the long line of adaptations of the classic. M.G. Jyotish, the director of the venture, wanted to make his version of the play to speak a language of its own and thanks to innovative theatrical techniques and excellent acting his daring endeavour proved to be as thought-provoking as it was pleasurable. Indeed, for two hours … Continue reading

Crossing Cultural barriers

It was a unique experience for young artistes of ‘Rangaprabhath’ when artistes of the Japan-based Kamigata-mai helped them stage a Japanese story. It was a unique spectacle for the rustic audience of Venjaramood in Thiruvananthapuram, when a group of nine artists from Japan performed their traditional art form. For the young artistes of ‘Ranghaprabhath’, a children’s theatre that has been functioning in the village for the last 34 years, the interaction with the new teachers from across the seas was … Continue reading

Lost in the land

Valley Song,’ directed by P.A.M. Rasheed, is an adaptation of South African writer Athol Fugard’s play of the same name. The tale of an old farmer’s bond with the land, told against the background of rapid progress and ambitious people, became an unforgettable experience for theatre enthusiasts at the Vyloppilly Samskriti Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. Although the tale is set in post-Apartheid South Africa, certain stories, however much they are flavoured with local tastes, have universal appeal. The play ‘Valley Song,’ … Continue reading

It’s play time

Theatre Plays organised in connection with the Soorya Dance and Music Festival 2009 covered a wide range of themes. Manu Remakant The first five days of a theatre festival, organised as part of the Soorya Dance and Music Festival 2009, proved that theatre still has an ardent following in the capital city. All the plays were staged in the auditorium of the Swathi Thirunal Coll ege of Music, Thiruvananthapuram. ‘Melvilasam,’ ‘Premalekhanam’ and ‘Pulari’ – three of Soorya Krishnamoorthy’s plays – … Continue reading