Kuwait witnessed a spectacular rendition of world famous playwright, William Shakespeare’s Othello in Malayalam by KALPAK, an initiative of a group of theatre lovers to promote theatre, culture and art, recently. Othello was the result of 3 months of penance by almost 35 actors, art lovers and many more well-wishers from across places. When hard work, dedication, creativity and expertise came together, Othello, surely had to make an impact like Kuwait had never seen before. In spite of being miles away from their homeland and the limitations of living in a foreign country, KALPAK celebrated its 29th year of formation in style. Despite all the ups and downs, which are always part of a big show, the team, backed up by astounding settings, exhibited a show that the ever welcoming audience of Kuwait would never forget.
The skilful touch of Sri. Sujathan on a 70 feet long stage, an eye-catching setting that made the onlookers’ jaw drop, 11 different massive backdrops and 18 scenes on an open stage were what Othello had to offer at Indian Central School, Kuwait. When Othello and Cassio made their grand entries on horse backs, it added more pomp and glory to the already captivating show. It was staged on Friday and Saturday, with about 5000 people watching characters from the Shakespearen drama come to life.
When a group of professionals, like Mr. Babuji Bathery (Director), Kalaratnam Sujathan (Stage Designer), Mr. Poojapura Shashi (Costume) and Mr Alex Sunny (Light), joined hands, Othello set a new standard. Mr. Shashi Kozhencherry and Mr. Johnny Kunnil, the assistant directors, Mr. Mustafa Ambadi, the Music Director, Ms.Paurnami Sangeeth, the choreographer, Mr. Udayan Anchal and Mr. Manoj Mavelikara behind the background scores, all played their roles well to make this show worth watching. Mr. Sibi A.V. R did the light mixing with Mr. Varghese Paul in charge of sound mixing.
NBTC Chairman and a wellwisher of KALPAK, Mr. K.G Abraham presented tokens of gratitude to the Director Mr Babuji Bathery and Kalaratnam Sujathan. Mr. Varghese Paul released the souvenir while the vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Pradeep Menon, the Secretary of KALPAK. Shaiju Pallipuram, Pradeep Vengola, Sijo Valiaparambil, Tina Teresa, Paurnami Sangeeth, Sneha Merin, Chandran Puthoor, Joseph Kannankara, Valsan George, Pramod Menon, LijoJose, Joemon Naatakam , Aksa Joemon, Ajith, Baptist, Tommy, Sreejith, Sinu, Santosh, Maxi, Ramesh and Freddy were among the actors who were part of this play that transported the audience to the 16th Century for two and a half hours.