Realism has been the dominant style in modern theatre in Malayalam for the past few years. It holds the idea of the stage as an environment, rather than as an acting platform. Director and playwright Rajesh Irulam, who has been in the theatre field for the past 18 years, is one of the most prominent faces among a few who follow the realistic approach in their works.
“Social and political ideas, and some spectacular theatrical innovations have helped bring Realism to theatre. Theatre has changed a lot. If you look closely, you can see that it is one of the most refined art forms at the moment, and also one that has undergone great transformation. Nowadays, plays are too direct and refrain from over melodrama like what we had seen 10 to 15 years ago,” says Rajesh.
Kuruthi
Rajesh says his entry to theatre was not planned. “At a very young age, I used to watch plays and got interested in the lights and artworks in the background. I used to paint well and I was asked to do some artwork for a play. I was very much amazed to see the play and wanted to be part of it. That is when I started doing artworks. And after a few years, I did light designing and for my first work (Rajakan) I won a State award for the best light designer category in 2006,” shares Rajesh. He would then win five more State awards, after shifting focus to direction.
Direction was always his dream and initially, Rajesh associated with small troupes and trained school children and directed plays for children. In 2007, he made debut as director with Aaraman Uppukottan. “That was a great experience and I still cherish it. My close friend and playwright Hemanth Kumar, the screen writer of the film Apothecary, has been a great inspiration for me. He wrote my first play and it was a great start.” The partnership of Rajesh and Hemanth has produced more than 50 plays.
Veyil
Rajesh says he has great chemistry with Hemanth and appreciates the writer’s realistic and experimental approaches. “I was so keen to make the play look normal. Gone are the days of exaggerated and unrealistic stories. I am not against that kind of dramas and there is a great number of audience for them, too. But I wanted to make my works relatable, hence I approached them realistically. The way I executed each portion, whether it is the narration, lighting or artworks, was direct. Hemanth chettan was very supportive of me in doing this. Also, we have had a great team of artistes.”
Plays like Kuruthi, Veyil and Radheyanaya Karnan were highlights of his career, which won numerous State awards. Rajesh says theatre in India, especially in Kerala, has been undergoing a lot of changes and youngsters are coming to the field which, he hopes, will be helpful for the growth of the art. Cinema is a big dream for him. He wants to be part of the industry one day and hopes it will happen in the near future.
Rajesh is currently working on a few plays including Pattupadunna Vellayi, Venalavadhi, and Ettam.
