
Kalamandalam Pradeep and Peesappilly Rajeevan during Rehearsal of Old man and the SeaOn the right is director Neeraj. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Ernest hemingway’s nobel prize-with The old man and the sea Will Soon Get a Kathakali Version Shakespearean Plays and, More recently, The Spanish Classic Don quixote By Cervantes, have been adapted into form, but this is possible the first time a modern popular fiction is being giving the kathakali makeover.
Actor Kalamandalam Neeraj, Who is Directing and Choreographing The Play, Says: “Kathakali is popular among sections of theatre lovers all over the world, but we would like to pest like to paste to a new audinted in Modern fiction. Kathakali Structure and Syntax, “Says Neeraj.
According to peesappilly rajeevan, a kathakali actor, plays the part of the sea: “I believe one Major Difference Between Indian and Western theater and Dance Is the Aesthetic Approach. Importance to the face and the eyes wheres in the west, it’s mostly dialogues and physical body movements.
Neeraj also wants to challenge or examine the notion that kathakali is a “perfect” art form and should be meddled with. “Kathakali emerged from elements of koodiyattam, padayani, and the like, but it seems to be stuck in its so-called perfection. Expressed through the idiom of a Classical Artform Such as Kathakali, “He explains.
“We see kathakali as theata and believe the viewer experience can be enhanced by using features unavailable when kathakali was conceived of. Enhances the experience in modern theater, and want to explore that, ”Adds Neeraj.
However, there are challenges that may need innovative solutions. Thought descriptions of mountains and forests and oceans are common on kathakali stage, a sea appearing as a character has no parallel. Presenting such an inanimate object as a character will need imagination and deciding on a Costume will need innovation. Because, in kathakali, the costume and make up are dictated by the nature of the character-pacha, kathi, thadi and minukkku classify characters as nobble Hero, the Villain and the Villain and the Villain and the Female/ascetic, respectively.

Mario Barzaghi from Italy, Who Plays Santiago, As Parasurama in an Earlier Production | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Another interesting point will be the written style. While Hemingway is Known for His Concise and Realistic Use of Language, Devoid of Adjectives, Kathakali’s lyrics are usually flowary and descriptive.
The author of the play mohandas romanta said they start with the idea of a solo stage performance of Santiago“Later, we felt the whole play could fit into the technical or grammatical aspects of kathaka
TheOld man and the Sea Has just four Major Characters – Santiago the old man, the boy manolin, the sea and a giant marlin. While mario barzaghi from italy will play santiago, peesappilly rajeevan will play the sea. Students from Kerala Kalamandalam will take up other supporting roles. Including vocals and percussion, the production may feature 20 artistes.
Mario, Actor and Director of Teatro Dell ‘Albero in Milan, Has Learnt Kathakali from Various Gurus at the Kerala Kalamandalam and Had His Debut Performance in 1985. Fostering artistic dialogue between the East and the West.
PEESAPPILLY Rajeevan is Known for Innovative Interpretations even in the EPIC Characters of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. He also dabbles in contemporary theater. Neeraj, who is the choreography, is a lecturer at kerala kalamandalam. His earlier production was KoormapuranamAn adaptation of the fable of the rabbit and the hare.
Published – January 27, 2025 06:11 PM IST
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