Lolita Chakrabarti’s stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s renowned novel delivers a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience that revolves around the extraordinary journey of Pi Patel. Played with captivating depth by Divesh Subaskaren, Pi recounts his harrowing tale of survival to investigators in a structured narrative that intertwines past and present.
When political unrest forces his family to relocate from India to Canada- animals and all – tragedy falls in the form of a shipwreck leaving Pi as the only survivor, alone on a lifeboat with a tiger for company.
The staging, meticulously designed by Tim Hatley, seamlessly transitions from the clinical interview setting to vibrant scenes of Pi’s upbringing in an Indian zoo, the backdrop unfolding like a Barbie dreamhouse to reveal foliage bathed in warm light, the sounds of the zoo and paper butterflies fluttering across the stage. Later, skillful lighting and set changes portray the stark reality of a cargo ship, and the vastness of the open ocean. Max Webster’s direction ensures that every movement on stage, from lifeboats materialising to the masterful puppetry of animals, mesmerizes the audience.
Finn Caldwell’s skillful direction of movement and puppetry brings the story to life, with neutral-clad puppeteers expertly controlling the driftwood-like creatures, making you fearful of the tiger and sympathetic for the helpless goat and zebra. However, the rapid pace of storytelling occasionally sacrifices the emotional depth of Pi’s familial relationships, lessening the impact of the tragedy that befalls him.
Despite this imbalance, the theatrical elements coalesce into a magnificent spectacle, anchored by Subaskaren’s portrayal of Pi. Whether one chooses to believe Pi’s extraordinary tale or not, the production leaves a lasting impression, offering both visual splendour and thought-provoking storytelling.
Life of Pi is at The Curve until 17th March, find out more here https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/life-of-pi/
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Katie Reviews 