‘Beauty of theatre lies not in dialogues but in its soul’

Directors speak at a ‘Meet the Artist’ programme held during the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK)

When a narrative transforms into a theatrical performance, the text often fades, making way for an innovative artistic expression shaped by form and emotion, noted the performers of Hayavadana at a ‘Meet the Artist’ programme held during the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK) in Thrissur on Monday.

“In such a space, it is not the language but the soul of the story that takes precedence,” said Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry, director of Hayavadana, which was staged in front of a packed audience on Sunday and Monday. The discussion provided an opportunity to delve into the visual language and underlying message of theatre through Ms. Chowdhry’s perspective.

Hayavadana, which was staged at Actor Murali Theatre, offered an extraordinary theatrical experience to the audience. The play that was blurring the lines between imagination and reality, provoked deep reflections on human identity and existential dilemmas.

The production of Bhoomija Trust, Bengaluru, the play is a 100-minute adaptation of Girish Karnad’s modern classic Hayavadana that explored themes of self-identity, human limitations, and the eternal question, ‘Who am I?’ Throughout the play, the enigmatic figure of a man with a horse’s head symbolised the ceaseless quest for completeness, leaving an impression on the spectators.

Anurupa Roy, director of The Nights, who also participated in the session, explored themes of Indian artistic heritage, theatrical expressions, and philosophical dimensions of performance in her play. She highlighted how the play reinterprets the Arabian folklore collection ‘1001 Nights’ for contemporary audiences, aiming to reshape traditional storytelling for modern perspectives. “Through this, we attempt to evolve classic narratives and guide audiences towards fresh interpretations,” she explained.

The pulsating music performances apart from the theatre performances are making the nights at ITFoK colourful.

Gowwli, an experimental band, cast a spell over Thrissur. The nomadic rock band blended traditional folk elements with contemporary rock sounds, creating an experimental musical identity that sets them apart from other bands.