Chennai-based Little Theatre brings a fresh blend of physical comedy and magical storytelling to the stage as eccentric cooks endeavour to save the world in their own delightful way.
Published Nov 15, 2023 | 12:00 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 15, 2023 | 12:00 PM
'The Kooks Sunny Side-Up' will be staged on November 16, 2023, at Anna Centenary Library Auditorium, Kotturpuram. (Supplied)
In a world where the fate of the entire globe hangs precariously in the balance, rational solutions might seem like the obvious choice.
However, in the whimsical world of theatre clowns, according to Krishnakumar Balasubramanian (KK), the artistic director of Chennai-based The Little Theatre, anything is possible.
Following a successful premiere at the International Theatre Festival in July 2023, the theatre group is set to stage The Kooks: Sunny Side-Up on November 16 in Chennai.
As the actors take the stage, the audience will be immersed in escapades of eccentric cooks crafting an extraordinary recipe to avert impending doom.
In a chat with South First, KK discusses the enchanting journey of The Kooks and his directorial choices.
Q. What inspired the creation of The Kooks, and can you share some insights into the creative process leading up to its debut at the International Theatre Festival in July 2023?
A. We had decided to create a brand new production this year with a fresh cast after running another original production, Garage Gang, successfully since 2017.
Kooks is a completely fresh, devised piece with our signature elements: physical comedy, stunts, music, and rooted in the philosophy of clowning.
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Kooks revolves around the central theme of acceptance and working together.
This, we believe, is the epicentre of human interaction. As we searched for a setting that brings people together, we settled on food and a kitchen. This is how Kooks was born.
Q. With the play being staged again, are there any changes or enhancements to the production that the audience can look forward to?
A lot of work has gone into developing the special effects of the show, the black light sequences. (Supplied)
A. Every single time the play is going to be staged, possibly over the next four years at least, it will constantly be developed.
The idea is to make the play visually stimulating for both children and adults. A lot of work has gone into developing the special effects of the show, and the black light sequences.
Some interesting changes have been made to the story, and I see it constantly evolving as the actors tend to grow with each show.
There are some very exciting developments in slapstick and physical comedy that have been worked upon.
Q. How has the experience of the initial performance influenced the current staging?
A. Audience feedback is everything. A dedicated team has worked on understanding what has worked and what could be better. New updates will roll out every year, and you’ll get an almost brand-new show worth revisiting.
Q. The central plot revolves around creating an extraordinary recipe. Were there real-world culinary influences that played a role in developing the fictional recipe?
A. Yes! There’s always inspiration from real-world culinary influences. We went straight to our grandmother’s recipes. They’re fun and take us back to our roots.
Q. Can you share some insights into the personality traits and backgrounds of the main characters?
A. Chef Capsicum’s kitchen of infinite possibilities is run by four bumbling cooks and a troublesome cleaner who aspires to be one of them. They receive an unusual call to create a “recipe” to save the world.
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But time is ticking, and they’ll need the audience’s help to succeed. The show breaks the fourth wall, and there’s plenty of audience interaction.
Q. What qualities were you looking for in the actors to portray the cooks?
A. The ensemble cast has been training the entire year in the art of clowning and physical comedy.
Praveen, Santosh, Abhirami, Anand, Aravindan, and Harishankar each bring to the table a unique set of skills from dancing, singing, parkour, percussion, and improvisation.
But the most important aspect is empathy. When creating shows for young audiences, we need actors who tell stories and work with empathy.
Q. Were there any challenges in making the different worlds feel cohesive within the narrative?
A. This is a world of clowns. In this world, anything is possible. That is what the audiences get to experience when they get on stage with the actors.
Whatever they say goes. We improvise, build the narrative and explore the possibilities. In a way, this is life.
Q. Humour seems to be a significant element in the story. How did you balance the quirky elements without losing the gravity of the impending doom?
A. The “fear” is something that we all deal with every day. Children too with their exams and deadlines.
The world of clowning offers a different perspective. We take a step back and explore the comedy involved in these situations.
The ensemble cast has been training the entire year in the art of clowning and physical comedy. (Supplied)
Charlie Chaplin once said, “Life is a tragedy when seen in closeup and a comedy in a long shot.”
Q. Considering the target audience is children, how do you plan to ensure that the storyline and humour are accessible and enjoyable for them?
A. Over the last 15 years of creating work for young audiences, I have understood that for a show to speak to children, it must also speak to the child within the adults.
This is the reason a lot of us still enjoy Tom and Jerry or Disney films. It is that collective energy inside that theatre that creates a powerful wholesome experience.
Q. Are there specific cinematic techniques or directorial choices you’re employing?
A. We keep a linear narration so it is easy to follow the story. But every scene will have a special visual treat to look out for.
I believe theatre is more than just fostering the love for art. It is deeper. Any form of art, theatre included is a very powerful tool for finding joy in life through self-expression.
It is especially relevant in the times we live in.
The possibility of presenting the show in a digital format is being explored. (Supplied)
In today’s time, everything is moving at light speed – our ideas of careers, money, success, and love.
There is truly a struggle to slow down and find joy in simple things. These things are usually just within.
I believe with theatre and the arts, we can truly enable the next generation to be in touch with their authentic selves and find joy in life every day in the small and the big things.
Q. Can you share any plans for this production or other projects?
A. We are looking forward to taking the show to theatre festivals around the world. We are also exploring the possibility of presenting the show in a digital format.
The Kooks Sunny Side-Up will be staged on November 16, 2023, at 10 am, 2 pm and 6 pm. Venue: Anna Centenary Library Auditorium, Kotturpuram. Donor passes are priced at ₹400 and ₹500. To book, visit: thelittletheatre.explara.com.
