Ernest Hemingway’s excellent work in Kathakali

Kalamandalam Pradeep and Pespilli Rajeevan during rehearsal the old Man and the SeaThe right is Neeraj on the right. , Photo courtesy: Special arrangement

Ernest Hemingway’s Nobel Prize winner the old Man and the Sea Soon Shakespeare’s plays and recently Spanish classic will get Kathakali version Don quixot By Servants, has been converted into art, but this is probably the first time a modern popular story is being given the form of Kathakali.

Actor Kalamandalam Neeraj, who is directing and choreography of the play, says: “Kathakali is popular among theater lovers worldwide, but we would like to present it to new audiences interested in modern fiction literature. We are trying to translate the novel into Kathakali language. There will be no agreement – the structure, costumes and dance activities called Kalasam will strictly follow the story and syntax, ”Neeraj says.

According to the Kathakali actor Pespilli Rajivan, who plays Sagar: “I believe that there is a major difference between Indian and Western theater and dance. In Indian art forms, the face and eyes are given more importance, while most dialogues and physical physical activities in the West are given importance. We want to present the Satvik acting aspect of Kathakali to the new young international audience.

Neeraj also wants to challenge or check the notion that Kathakali is a “entire” art and should not be intervened. “Kathakali has emerged from Kudiatam, Padyani and similar elements, but it seems that it is stuck in its so -called perfection. We want to find out how abstract ideas of modern literary work can be expressed through the idiom of classical art like Kathakali, “he explains.

“We see Kathakali as the theater and believe that when Kathakali was imagined, the experience of the audience can be increased using unavailable facilities. For example, lighting has a lot of possibilities. We know how it enhances experience in modern theater, and wants to find out, ”Neeraj says.

However, there are challenges that may require a new solution. Although the description of mountains, forests and oceans is common on the Kathakali stage, there is no match of the sea that appears as a character. Such a lifeless object will require imagination to present as a vessel and need a innovation to decide the dress. Because, in Kathakali, costumes and makeup are determined by the nature of the character – the pacha, saddle, thhadi and minukku characters are classified as great heroes, anti -heroes, villains and women/ascetics respectively.

Mario Barzaghi of Italy, who plays the role of Santiago, as Parasuram in earlier production. Photo courtesy: Special arrangement

Another interesting thing will be the writing style. While Hemingway is known for the brief and realistic use of the language devoid of adjectives, the songs of Kathakali are usually floral and descriptive.

The play author Mohandas Romanta said that he started with the idea of ​​a single stage performance Centiago“Later, we felt that the entire play could fit the technical or grammatical aspects of Kathakali. Therefore, we added eligible to establish the prosperity of the sea. We also added four killer sharks. “

the old Man and the Sea It has only four major characters – old man Santiago, Boy Manoline, Sagar and a huge marlin. While Mario Barzaghi of Italy will play from Santiago, Pisapilli will play Rajivi C. Students of Kerala Kalamandalam will play other supporting roles. Production, including singing and rhythm, can involve 20 artists.

Mario, actor and director of Titro Dell Albero in Milan, learned Kathakali from various gurus in Kerala Kalamandalam and was his first performance in 1985. Mario has worked in several projects with the aim of promoting artistic dialogue between East and West.

Peacepilli Rajeevan is also known for new interpretations in the epic characters of Mahabharata and Ramayana. He is also interested in contemporary theater. Neeraj, who is a choreographer, is a lecturer in Kerala Kalamandalam. His first production was KurmapuranamConversion of the story of rabbit and rabbit.