With slight modifications, Bhasi’s Olivile Ormakal is returning to stage

With slight modifications, Bhasi’s Olivile Ormakal is returning to stage

It was in the early 1990s that legendary playwright Thoppil Bhasi directed the stage play Olivile Ormakal (Memories in Hiding), the theatrical adaptation of his autobiography of the same name, under the banner of Kerala People’s Arts Club (KPAC), the powerful drama troupe associated with the Communist movement in Kerala. Much to the elation of theatre lovers, the KPAC will stage a remake of the play to mark its 75th anniversary and the birth centenary year of Bhasi.

According to A. Shahjahan, secretary, KPAC, Olivile Ormakal will be staged after a gap of several years with slight modifications “to keep up with changing times.”

“Thoppil Bhasi’s association with KPAC began with the historical play Ningalenne Communistakki (You Made Me a Communist) in the early 1950s. Olivile Ormakal was his last play (1992) under the banner of the KPAC. We decided to remake it as a fitting tribute to him on the occasion of his birth centenary,” says Shahjahan.

Olivile Ormakal was first staged at Karthika Thirunal Theatre, Thiruvananthapuram, on August 23, 1992, less than four months before Bhasi died.

Manoj Narayanan will direct the remake of the play and the rehearsal has begun. With some changes in the style of narration, the play is expected to gift a new experience to the audience.

Besides new actors, two members of the original cast, Pradeep Thoppil and Thamarakulam Mani, will appear in the remake of the play.

Mr. Narayanan says the play has historical significance beyond being the theatrical adaptation of Bhasi’s autobiography. “The intention of the play, when it was first adapted, was not to focus on the life of the individual but to narrate the story of that time. This approach made it more significant and interesting,” he says.