Kochi: Renowned Spanish classic Don Quixote will now have an adaptation of Kerala's iconic Kathakali theatre, which is to be staged in Madrid as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of the novel written by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.
Kerala's leading Kathakali group Margi has structured the Kathakali play of the novel in which role of lead character will be played by eminent artiste Nelliyod Vasudevan Namboodiri. Kathakali is the most renowned symbol of Kerala's
cultural heritage. The adaptation of Don Quixote in Kathakali form has been
inspired by artistes associated with Spanish cultural institution Casa de la India. Some of them had come to Kerala to learn its rich culture and art forms including Kathakali years back.
An office bearer of Margi said the Spanish art enthusiasts want to mark the fourth centenary of the death of Cervantes and the 400th anniversary of the publication of the second part of Don Quixote as also the 60 years of diplomatic relations between Spain and India through adaptation of Don Quixote in Kathakali, the art form that uses the body as a tool, using sign language as the main vehicle for story telling.
A 17-member team from Margi is travelling to Spain from July 8 to August 3 to stage this Kathakali play at six venues including at the International Classical Theatre Festival of Almagro on July 22. "We see this as a cultural exchange cutting across continental boundaries. We are sure that the viewers in Spanish cities will accept and appreciate our endeavour", S Sasikumar, an office bearer of Margi said.
