Kerala - Kochi   

Ancient epic retold in the modern idiom

KOCHI: Epics never cease to marvel. They always offer the scope of interpretation, according to the contemporary realities. Another go at the Ramayana is being made in Malayalam theatre, as the story of Soorpanakha is being reviewed in the modern social context.

The play is based on the short story Thaikulam by Sara Joseph. While the story analyses the inroads of feminine psyche, the play places the story line in the context of social exodus and displacement.

The play is about those who lose their organic roots. Hence the epic tale is juxtaposed with contemporary realities from Chengara, Muthanga, Moolamppilly and Sri Lanka. The play also evokes elements from the famous poem Kurathi by Kadamanitta Ramakrishnan, which captured the angst of the displaced like never before.

The play, scripted and directed by Ullas Mavilayi, will be a solo performance by Pradeep Chittoor.

He has been actively working with Lokadharmi for the past 11 years as an actor, set designer and make-up artist. He played significant parts in the plays Karnnabharam, Poranadi, Medea, Paattabakki, Innalathe Mazha and Chayamukhi.

Ullas Mavilayi is a theatre graduate from the School of Drama, Thrissur, and has worked with eminent directors like Abhilash Pillai and Radha Karman.

The play, presented by Lokadharmi with assistance from Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram, will be staged at the Changampuzha Park, Edappally, on Thursday at 6.30 p.m.

Writer Sara Joseph will participate in the inaugural function and will speak on ‘the contemporary re-reading of epics’.

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