Is it a coincidence that stories prescribed for children about tall people often allude to elevated life lessons, encompass satire and offer symbolism for adults too? <\/p>\n
While this is true of Jonathan Swift classic Gulliver\u2019s Travels, Brachio: The Story of a Lighthouse, written by Chennai-based author and playwright Venkataraghavan S, promises an experience that could perhaps be clubbed under the same niche sub-genre of metaphorical tall fiction. <\/p>\n
In this play that will be performed on November 9 (at Medai) and 10 (at Alliance Fran\u00e7aise of Madras) for children between the ages of five and 10, Venkataraghavan says that three best friends \u2014 Momo, Jojo, and a really tall lighthouse, Brachio \u2014 who undergo a tough time in their relationship, must come together to protect their village and their friendship when a storm hits their seaside village. There will be ladders, shadow puppetry, circus acts, magic tricks, songbooks and jokes, he adds. The play also features original music by Kavya S, adding to the theatrics of the play. <\/p>\n
\u201cI am a really tall person and the two other performers in the play \u2014 Shradha H R and Harshini B \u2014 are short. In the play, I use height, which provides a natural advantage, to win games. However, the friendship changes dramatically when a ladder seller comes to town. There is obviously more inclusion,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n
He adds that eight performances have taken place in the past at Bengaluru and Hyderabad. \u201cThe play is light and is hence a great cleansing ritual, especially at a time when the world is going through a crisis. For the audience, it presents a lot of wonder. There is a sense of magical realism on stage,\u201d he says. \u201cMy favourite moments are when the audience goes wow,\u201d he adds. <\/p>\n
Brachio: The Story of a Lighthouse will be performed on November 9 at Medai and November 10 at Alliance Fran\u00e7aise of Madras at 3.30pm and 6pm. Tickets are priced at \u20b9250 and are available on BookMyShow.<\/i><\/p>\n