Cultural Connections

Having staged productions across the world,with Turkey as his last stop,Varnas says that Ibsen is tough to enact and When We Dead Awaken is particularly difficult because it is the last of Ibsen’s work,and one in which he has touched upon different aspects from his own life. The narrative revolves around Arnold Rubek,an aging and celebrated sculptor,and his muse Irene. “It is complex,mystical and touching. I have made an attempt to combine different styles to make it eclectic and create something new through silence,movement and colours. The aim is to connect with the audience and give them an amazing experience,” says Varnas. He adds that a director needs to choose works which are important in the time period and appeal to the audience.

The director also observes that the production has been conceived at three levels,which includes visual,where there is a harmony of colours on the stage and verbal,where the actors feel and express their movement. The third is the act of the subconscious,which he promises is unusual. “Not only words,but we also use lights to create from dreams and make strangers a part of the contemporary change. We have to seek the truth till we are alive,” says Varnas,looking forward to another performance that will impress the audience.

When We Dead Awaken will be staged at Tagore Theatre on December 8 at 6.30 pm.