Kochi: Renowned Spanish classic Don Quixote will now have an adaptation that uses Kerala’s iconic Kathakali art form to tell the story, and will 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 adapted the story, in which role of lead character will be played by popular dancer Nelliyod Vasudevan Namboodiri.
The adaptation of Don Quixote in Kathakali has been inspired by artistes associated with Spanish cultural institution Casa de la India. Some of them had come to Kerala to learn about India’s rich cultural teachings, including Kathakali.
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 well as the 60 years of diplomatic relations between Spain and India through the adaptation in Kathakali, the art form that uses sign language to tell a story.
A 17-member team from Margi is travelling to Spain, from July 8 to August 3, to stage the 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, of Margi, said.
