Cinema VinesFor the first time in a decade, the English‑language stage production “Under the Mangosteen Tree” will return to Kottayam, reviving the legacy of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. The play, directed by Rajiv Krishnan and produced by Chennai‑based theatre collective Perch, brings together ten of Basheer’s celebrated stories in a single, non‑linear performance. It is the latest chapter in a production that began as a three‑week festival celebrating Basheer’s centenary in 2008, has run for 18 years, and crossed 100 performances before its original run ended in 2016.
Krishnan’s vision departs from the traditional practice of staging one Basheer tale in isolation. Instead, he weaves characters and episodes from works such as “Mathilukal,” “Poovan Pazham,” “Shabdangal,” “Viswavikhyathamaya Mookku,” and “Neela Velicham” into a shared theatrical world. Basheer himself becomes the connective thread, shifting between narrator, participant and witness. The title is a nod to the mangosteen tree at Basheer’s Beypore home, a place where friends and fans gathered around the writer. The non‑linear structure allows scenes to overlap, creating a tapestry that reflects the complexity of Basheer’s storytelling.
“We had already worked with two of Basheer’s stories, ‘Premalekhanam’ and ‘Mucheettukalikkarante Makal,’ and when his centenary was approaching, we wanted to create something bigger,” Krishnan told Onmanorama. “The three‑week festival in 2008 gave birth to ‘Under the Mangosteen Tree.’ By combining ten stories, we created a larger celebration of Basheer’s writing.” The approach has broadened the playwright’s reach, introducing his work to audiences unfamiliar with his legacy. “The play has helped introduce Basheer to people who didn't know his work. They discover the stories through the performance and then become curious about his writing,” Krishnan added.
The revival in 2025 featured a mix of long‑time performers and fresh talent. Aparna Gopinath, who has been part of the production since its early years, began as Jameela in “Poovan Pazham” and has since taken on a range of roles, including male characters. “I started as Jameela, and over these 18 years I have moved through so many characters. Now I also play some of Basheer’s iconic men. That evolution has been a beautiful part of the journey,” she said. The latest run also introduced an unexpected casting change, further refreshing the ensemble.
With its return to Kottayam, “Under the Mangosteen Tree” promises to once again bring Basheer’s timeless wit, humor, and humanity to the stage, inviting new audiences to experience the richness of his stories in a fresh, interconnected format.
