JOIN USWith basic props, minimal resources and a gripping-style of storytelling, the multi-disciplinary project Quijote Wallah is exemplary of how one art form can barge out of its conventional contours to merge with another. But this is possible only when art is treated tenderly and allowed to expand.
Director Sukhesh Arora and graffiti artist Harsh Raman Singh Paul succeed in providing such breathing space to their art and the resultant is an absorbing narrative titled Quijote Wallah inspired from Don Quixote’s tale, staged at Instituto Cervantes recently. The performance initiates as actor Shivam Pradhan appears in front of the audience and tries to speak something for a long time.
He finally bursts out shouting “Ladies and Gentlemen” and draws parallels between Shakespeare and Cervantes (who wrote the magnum opus Don Quixote) before introducing the audiences to the 50-year-old hero ‘Don Quixote’ of La Mancha in central Spain. He assumes himself to be a knight who has read almost every book on chivalry!The performance that thus follows is not only absorbing but also coupled with innovative props which add humour. While a scooter acts as Don Quixote’s horse, the moving panels with graffiti add depth to the performance making it all the more occupying.
With reference of sheep, the graffiti panel was adjusted in such a way that the storytelling created a visual effect too. But Sukesh uses these elaborate panels (crafted intricately by Harsh) not just to connect the tale with specific references but also for creating certain effects like in the case when Don Quixote hallucinates windmills to be a giant evil.
The narrative is quite engaging and makes one believe in the tale due to the manner in which it is presented, until the end. It is rare that a bedtime story is projected visually in an appreciable manner; something that the director and team of Yellowcat Theatre company manage to produce. Not to forget, all this is supported though live music by Theophilus Benjamin.