Bhaskara Pattelarum Thommiyude Jeevithavum
Theatre Production | 2018-20
Based on the novelette by Malayalam writer Paul Zacharia, Bhaskara Pattelarum Thommiyude Jeevithavum explores the master-slave dialectic and tells an inspiring tale of freedom from bondage. A period drama set in feudalistic South Karnataka, the plot follows Christian migrant labourer, Thommi, the obedient servant of an aggressive, tyrannical landlord, Pattelar. Slavishly following his master’s every command, even when they are immoral or harmful, the story details the gradual awakening of Thommi’s consciousness and eventual release from servility.
Directed by Suveeran, the play premiered in U.A.E at the 9th KSC Bharat Murali Drama Festival 2018, sweeping 8 awards including Best Actress for Shereen Saif.
Subsequently during 2019-2020, the play showcased at several prestigious stages and festivals both in the U.A.E. and India.
“Omana, Thommi’s wife, has no voice in the play per se, yet she speaks volumes. She is a gentle woman who has to face the violence and humiliation of being made sexually available to Pattelar by her own husband. Yet she is unable to hate either Thommi or Pattelar. She is a helpless witness of her own circumstances and the complex emotions she goes through. The play is expertly and poetically crafted by Suveeran and has some unforgettable visuals and real tender moments of humanity.”
Best Actress Award
9th KSC Bharat Murali Drama Fest 2018
Abu Dhabi Malayalee Samajam Nakatakotsavam 2020
Official Selections
Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) Festival 2020, Delhi
20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2020, Puducherry
International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFOK) 2020, Thrissur
CREDITS
Dramaturgy and Directed by Suveeran Produced by Theatre Dubai & Back Stage (Kozhikode)
Cast Bhaskara Pattelar – O. T. Shajahan,
Thommi – Arif Kandoth/ Manikandan Achari, Omana – Shereen Saif, Sarojakka – Mini Alphonsa, Kuttaparayi – Raghunathan K. P., Yusuppicha – Subhash Das, Marumakan – Dasan M.K.
Other Cast & Ensemble Kanakaraj Mayyannur, Ismail Kadathand, Mani Puravunkara, Ravi, Rajeevan, Surendran, Sandeep Memunda, Ambujam Satheesh Kumar
Photography Lijan James
Language Malayalam
Duration 80 mins
featured in
Media
Best Play – Bharat Murali Drama Fest 2018
Mathrubhumi
Bhakara Pattelarum Thommiyude Jeevithavum
Celluloid Magazine
The many languages of theatre
The Hindu
Award Winning Drama staged in Kerala
Malayala Manorama
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