Arikomban and the media circus: Children provide perspective through a play called ‘Arikunjan’

The children of THAMP (Theatre Academy for Media and Performance) decided to speak up for Arikomban through their play, Arikunjan. The play depicts Arikomban’s last day at Chinnakanal, reflecting the travails of an animal stripped of its freedom — and homeland.

Also read: How Kerala social media is rooting for Arikomban

A collective voice for the voiceless 

Arikomban is gone, from Chinnakanal, and even Kerala. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department captured the elephant after he ambled into Cumbum town and translocated him to the upper reaches of Kodayar in the deep south.

Meanwhile, in Kerala, special pujas were held for him in temples, and people named their establishments and vehicles after him. Several protests were being held, demanding the government bring him back to Chinnakanal.

The children, too, felt the pain. They have watched the Kerala Forest Department transquilising, capturing, and transporting him to PTR with much media hullabaloo.

The play opens with two television news channels reporting on Arikunjan, an elephant roaming the Chinnakanal pastures in Munnar. The local residents are miffed over the animal after it raided local shops for rice.

The play moves on through the perspective of two different media houses spinning tales on Arikunjan’s behalf, spectacularly failing to understand why the animal has been acting in a particular manner.

“The play speaks about how humans enjoy nature and how wild animals are portrayed on television — caged, sedated. or chained to obey the commands of his human masters,” Shyam Raji, the director of the play, shared his perspective.

“These acts destroy the independent space of the animal. Humans tend to take over the land and freedom of the animal for their benefit and entertainment. The play approaches the media from this perspective,” Raji, an activist, and teacher of arts at THAMP, told South First.

Also read: Arikomban released again, this time in the upper reaches of Kodayar

An initiative by young minds

Children of THAMP enacting a play (supplied)

South First spoke to Rajesh Chandran, the director of THAMP. He explained the evolution of the play.

“The children collected all details and stories about Arikomban and planned a play. They actively took part in the production process,” he said.

“The children handled everything — choreography, music, costumes, etc. The play is filled with exciting and engaging music, enrapturing lights and the children even added some self-made rap songs to it. They have done a great good job,” Chandran said with pride.

Mahima R, who just finished high school, is the eldest in the group. The children were part of a summer camp THAMP had organised to promote performing arts among the youth.

The camp was also meant to be a tool to combat the rising cases of emotional isolation and anxiety among children.

“I joined the camp right after school. They taught me how to get into the skin of the character, which involves a lot of interaction with other students,” Mahima told South First.

“I am a little introverted by nature, but developing Arikunjan in the camp helped me break out of that mold and to express my views and interests,” she added.

Also read: Elusive ration shop-raiding tusker Arikomban captured and relocated

 A platform for performing arts

THAMP is a theatre academy providing classes and awareness on performing arts in Thiruvananthapuram for all ages.

Arikunjan is one of a three-part series. The other two are Not Only But Also, a two-actor, light-hearted satire on human whims. The play revolves around two hungry thieves who get caught for theft, but still argue in jail on what to eat the next day.

The third play is Kuruvi Parajna Katha (the tale that the sparrow told), a play on a group of animals’ teamwork to stop a wildfire from destroying their homes.

Children of THAMP enacting the arrival of Arikomban (supplied)

“We believe that art can heal the scars life leaves on us,” Chandran said. He was previously the head of the Department of Performing Arts at TVS Academy in Bengaluru.

The play series will be staged at 6.30 pm at Ganesham Auditorium, Thycaud, in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, 11 June.

Arikomban, the movie

Meanwhile, a movie planned on Arikomban will begin in October.

Arikomban’s life will canned at Sri Lanka’s Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Chinnakanal area.

The film is directed by Sajid Yahiya and produced jointly by Badusha Cinemas and Pen and Paper Creations. Suhail M Koya penned the story.