Writer: Yann Martel
Adaptor: Lolita Chakrabarti
Director: Max Webster
Yann Martel’s Booker prize-winning 2002 novel Life of Piis here brought stunningly to the stage in this thrilling adaptation by Lolita Chakrabarti. The story concerns the survival of a teenage boy called Pi Patel on a solitary lifeboat in the Pacific after the cargo ship he was travelling on with his family and all the animals from the zoo that they owned had sunk in a storm. But Pi is not alone as he has for company other survivors – a hyena, a wounded zebra, an orangutan and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi Patel, whose fear, knowledge and cunning allow him to coexist with the tiger, Richard Parker, for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach land Richard Parker flees to the jungle, not looking back at his long time companion and never to be seen again.
The original novel had already been adapted into a very successful film which was visually stunning, and it was thought at the time that a film adaptation of this particular story could not have worked because of the nature of the plot and the story it unfolded. What, then, are the chances of it working on the stage? The answer is a resounding yes which has to be seen to be believed.
The credit for this must go to the whole company, a team of incredibly talented performers and creatives all working together to bring to life the vision of the original author of the novel in presenting a story that is so vivid, engaging and emotional. First and foremost Lolita Chakrabarti deserves enormous praise for the way she has adapted the original material for the stage. All the various elements of the tale are expertly handled so that there is an effortless flow between all the different strands of the plot – from the life of the family in Pondicherry with their zoo to the sea voyage and on to the shipwreck and survival on the lifeboat, all recounted by Pi in his hospital bed to two investigators of the tragedy. The special effects are so convincing that the audience really feel that they are witnessing a boy and a tiger being cast adrift on a wide, endless ocean with no hope other than their wits and the surreal nature of the relationship that develops between the two.
Mention must also be made of the wonderful use of the animal puppets under the puppetry and movement direction of Finn Caldwell. Following in the tradition of shows like The Lion KingandWar Horse, audiences are now familiar with this type of presentation but it never fails to provide that wow factor, so that the presence of the puppeteers themselves operating the models and providing the voices is soon forgotten as the overall effect wins the day. The best thing one can say is that they are never obtrusive but totally convincing throughout.
And then there is Divesh Subaskaran making his professional debut as the lead character. He is perfectly cast as Pi, onstage throughout and displaying a gamut of emotions in a very energetic and accomplished role. He is totally convincing and can go on to make the part his own if he desires. He is fully supported by the whole company, many of whom play multiple roles in a very skilful manner.
Life of Piis a terrific experience in the theatre and one which your reviewer urges you to see if you can. You won’t be disappointed.
Runs until 11 November 2023
The Reviews Hub Score
Spectacular and Moving
