Life as it is

Staged at META, Malayalam play “Matthi” imparts dignity to the working classes’ struggle as they are being gradually trampled by the market forces.

April 16, 2015 07:18 pm | Updated 07:18 pm IST

A scene from Matthi

A scene from Matthi

As the market forces are getting stronger and stronger the community life in rural India and small towns is fast disintegrating, leading to the exodus of hard working people to cities to make a living. Ironically immigrants from other places are taking their place, hoping to find work. In this process social harmony starts crumbling bringing miseries to the people. This burning social and economic issue is brought alive on the stage by “Matthi”, a Malayalam play, presented by Malayalakalanilayam at the LTG auditorium recently which was part of Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META).

The distinct artistic feature of the production lies in its exploration of proscenium space to capture the slice of life with its various facets as well as the foreground and background of the dramatic action being unfolded on the centre stage, projecting the life of common people, their simple and the sense of joy de vivre experienced collectively by the community.

Set in the ‘70s and ‘80s Kerala, marked by political, social and cultural movements collectively launched by the people to make their life meaningful but this resurgence of the people gradually degenerated because of unabashed market forces.

Jino Joseph, a versatile artist, has written the script, choreographed, designed and directed the play. The choreographic patterns, especially in the mass scenes exude the resolve of the people to fight against exploitation. The innovative use of upstage gives the illusion of a large vista with the march of the people. It is also used for the entry and exit of the performers. The subtle light effects create a subtle theatrical artistry, making visuals meaningful and poetically intense.

On the surface, the play is the story of Matthi Rafeeq, a small time fish merchant, who sells fresh fish called sardines. His customers are all local people. He goes to the sea and after catching fish goes door-to-door. The relation between him and his customers is one of trust and mutual respect. The main quality of sardines is that it is cheap but nutritious and easily affordable by the working class of Kerala.

Rafeeq deals with sardines only as a matter of principle. Writer-director Jino has imparted metaphoric meaning to sardines. Throughout the show its name recurs several times in different context, establishing it as part and parcel of the cultural, social life of working class. Rafeeq is happy and his sister looks after household chores. When Rafeeq returns home peddling bicycle throughout the day, his neighours assemble in front of his house. His cheerful sister fries sardines in oil and then serves them hot to the assembled people. This is the happiest moments in the life of these working class people.

During these happy evening hours they enact plays with revolutionary message about the unity of the working class. They would also discuss burning current issues. This scene captures the social and political consciousness of the working class without any pretension. The fish is fried in a frying pan on a dimly-lit stove downstage with a view to make the audience part of the evening get together, a little piece of hot fried fish is distributed to the audience sitting in front rows.

The young, hardworking and cheerful Rafeeq is beautiful, riding his bicycle, he greets his customers with a smile, he loves his sister and young Shiba, his darling, is dear to his heart. Such lively characters in love with life with keen awareness about social issues grip the attention of the audience.

Then we witness the plight of the working people who start migrating to other places in search of livelihood. Sardines are replaced with big fish. Rafeeq is shattered. His beloved Sheeba also leaves for job in the city. He has lost his livelihood, his friends and his beloved. Now there is no purpose for him to live.

In fact, this is not a play, it is life itself painted with truthful colours. It is not a slick play. It exudes the flavour of the soil of Kerala and the aspirations of its brave worming class. The tragic climax is followed by a fantasy which projects the return of old charming past – this reflects the dream of the working class for a better world.

The writer-director told this writer that the members of the cast are non-professional common workers whose performances are marked by spontaneity, sincerity, commitment and vitality. Ranji Kankol in the lead role of Matthi Rafeeq gives an outstanding performance. The way he looks at his beloved from a distance and she responds with a smile make the whole scene sparkle with romantic aura. His Rafeeq is the darling of his community and he becomes also the darling of the audience. Anusree C.U. as the lively sister of Rafeeq and Sindhu KR as the beloved of Rafeeq radiate their scenes with the brilliance of their performances.

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