Direction : S. Surendranath Cast : Arun D.T., Gagan Kumar Yayyyadi, Shravan Heggodu & Shrunga B V
CIRCLE OF LIFE Review
Can a non-verbal performance convey the meaning of life? That’s exactly what CIRCLE OF LIFE does, showing the audience how humans evolve from childhood to adulthood to old age. Performed by four artistes: Arun, Gagan, Shravan, and Shrunga, and directed by Surendranath, this puppetry performance wonderfully captures the essence of growth and evolution.
We see the story start from childhood, where the innocence and curiosity of a young baby lead to encounters with a fluttering butterfly. Fascinated by the creature, the baby attempts to capture it at every stage. Transitioning into adolescence, even when the football gets stuck in the tree, it is the fascination with the butterfly that distracts the child. In adulthood, the audience sees the man fall in love, spend time with his partner, and lose himself in his work, all while the butterfly remains a valuable presence in life. It is only in his old age that the man truly appreciates the beauty and the importance of nature and values it above anything else.
A fantastic production, the puppet is a wonderful metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and the importance of the environment. Throughout his life, his encounters with nature teach him much about the world and the environment that he's living in.
It was a very simple set, with just a table and a tree. Most of the other props, like chairs, bikes, and tables, all came in and out as scenes moved on. The music was incredible and used very well to enhance the emotions and the actions of the puppet. The lighting was great, used aptly to focus on the right moments and build the tension in scenes. While there were no words spoken, there were sound effects that certainly entertained the giggling children sitting in the audience.
Although an inanimate object, the puppet was as animate as any living, breathing human. The four artists' mastery of the craft was phenomenal, as they moved with such precision and control. Truly wonderful to see how well they brought a puppet to life.
It was an unforgettable experience to watch these performers realize the creation. Such a simple yet powerful narrative conveyed brilliantly through a puppet. It showed the importance and power of nature, the natural progression of life, and the joy of finding beauty in the small moments.
Supriya Rajnish is a writer, aspiring actor, and theatre lover deeply interested in the power of narratives and the immersive world of the arts.
