The Broadway production of “Life of Pi” is a theatrical masterpiece, with a breathtaking fusion of storytelling, visual artistry and philosophical depth that leaves audiences spellbound. Based on Yann Martel’s Booker Prize-winning 2001 novel of the same name, the performance brings to life an extraordinary tale of one young man’s survival – with an exploration of his faith, and an examination of the human spirit, in a profoundly moving and visually stunning way.
“Life of Pi” first premiered at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England, in 2019; then, premiered at London’s prestigious West End Wyndham’s Theatre in 2021. It made its North American premiere at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts, before opening at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Broadway in March 2023.
The exhilarating show has won five Olivier Awards for Best New Play, Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In the time since its Broadway premiere, it has garnered even more critical acclaim, winning Tony Awards for Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Direction of a Play.
From now until the end of March, Denver audiences are in for a treat as “Life of Pi” fills the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ (DCPA) Buell Theatre with one boy’s awe-inspiring story.
A Show Set Apart from the Rest
What sets “Life of Pi” apart from any other production is its ingenious use of puppetry and stagecraft to bring the fantastical story to life.
Motivated by political unrest in 1970’s Pondicherry, India, Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel – played by Taha Mandviwala – narrates the details leading up to his family’s forced immigration from the zoo where they live to safer territory in Canada. The novel, which sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, is expertly woven into the theatrical production, with direct literary quotes coursing through the sixteen-year old’s monologue. Pi tells the harrowing tale of watching his family’s zoo animals being loaded onto the ship just days before a storm interrupts their plans and his very life.
The narrative itself is a profound exploration of faith and resilience. Stranded at sea and surrounded by animals, Pi fights for his life with only his thoughts and the influence of his early memories to keep him alive. His companions for the next months are a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and a Royal Bengal tiger by the name of Richard Parker.
The Power of Movement
The animals that pose the greatest risk to Pi’s life, and who become his only hope for salvation, are truly astounding. Co-designed by Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, each sculpture was fittingly inspired by driftwood.
Caldwell, who provides movement direction for the puppets, executes each beasts’ unique character as members of the ensemble give voice and veracity to their animalistic portrayals.
Richard Parker, brought to life by Anna Leigh Gortner, Jon Hoche and Anna Vomáčka, is a marvel of design and performance. The puppeteers’ seamless coordination creates a creature that feels both majestic and terrifying at the heart of Pi’s story.
Throughout the production, flawless transitions between the room where Pi tells his story and the scant lifeboat adrift in the Pacific Ocean are rendered with creative projections, lighting and sound design, immersing the audience in the perilous journey.
“Life of Pi” balances the intimacy and impact of each moment, with gorgeous representations of sea life, animals and the fragility of the human experience when trapped between two worlds.
A Philosophical Adventure
This production’s narrative highlights philosophical complexities concerning faith, identity and globalization. With comparisons between Hinduism, Christianity and Islam, it explores every aspect of faith – from dietary restrictions to the circle of life, and an analysis of spiritual provision in the worst of times.
The play also delves into themes of race and class, with economic and political instability underscoring modern issues surrounding migration. Audiences experience the panic and frustration of his mother/amma – played by Jessica Angleskha – and his father – played by Sorab Wadia; and even catch a glimpse of sibling rivalry between Pi and his sister, Rani – played by Sharayu Mahale.
Yet, it is Pi who brings audiences on an extraordinary, life-altering journey. His youthful energy as the show opens matures into that of a wiser, more inquisitive man, forever changed by his close encounters with death. Madviwala commands the stage, exhibiting impressive agility from start to finish; and delivering each line – whether sorrowful, maniacal or witty – with absolute impeccability, while using movement to support the story.
Docking in Denver
The stage adaptation of “Life of Pi” offers a uniquely immersive experience, capturing the magic of the novel and the 2012 Academy Award-winning film, while adding the immediacy and intimacy of live theater. More than just a story on stage, it is a powerful journey that reveals light even in the darkest of places.
Denver audiences only have a limited time to experience this rare and transcendent production, but it should certainly be prioritized before it sets sail again on April 1. Whether a fan of the book, the film or an avid supporter of DCPA and superb theatre, “Life of Pi” is a must see!
Editor’s note: Tickets for “Life of Pi” at the Buell Theatre are available at www.denvercenter.org.