‘A fantastical story of survival. ‘Life of Pi’ is performed and directed with a dazzling and exceptional theatrical style and flair. A gift for Toronto audiences to experience the professional debut of Divesh Subaskaran as the protagonist.”

‘Life of Pi’ is the story of 17-year-old vegetarian “Piscine” Pi (Divesh Subaskaran), who has been adrift at sea for over 200 days. He and his family flee India on account of political unrest. To begin a new life in Canada, they travel by cargo ship carrying zoo animals. Disaster strikes when the ship is caught in a violent storm. Disaster continues to hit this family as Pi is separated from them and thrown into a lifeboat with only a box for supplies and some of the zoo animals.

Pi recounts this story from a hospital room to Japanese investigator Mrs. Okamoto (Lilian Tsang), who has difficulty believing the young man's account.

Max Webster's exceptional direction, along with his design team, creates a captivating story that never fails to impress. Tim Hatley's beautiful set and colorful costumes are greatly complemented by the gorgeous lighting design of Tim Lutkin and Tim Deiling. This superbly showcases the stunning puppetry work of designers Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell. The puppets here are anything but 'Disneyesque'; they exude a sense of wildness, magic, and ferocity.

Andrzej Goulding’s remarkable video designs have become a feast for the eyes. At one point, when it begins to rain, Goulding’s extraordinary design combined with Carolyn Downing’s first-rate sound design makes it appear as if it is doing so on the stage. It’s astonishing when that moment occurs.

The mesmerizing sight of rippling waves, the sudden appearance of fish, and the graceful swim of a turtle are truly breathtaking. It's like entering a whole new world that could be overwhelming for someone inexperienced or young. Although it's a bit hard to believe that someone could survive at sea for over 200 days on a small lifeboat, I really enjoyed watching and investing time in seeing how the main character survives and adapts to this new world with great style.

While the supporting cast lends credible work to this fanciful storytelling, this ‘Life of Pi’ marks Divesh Subaskaran’s professional debut as a theatre artist.

What a gift for Toronto audiences to experience this young man’s work.

Subaskaran becomes a believable 17-year-old. His Pi remains youthful, innocent, and inquisitive. He leaps and bounds and encircles the boat, watching and waiting. Pi remains determined to tell the Japanese investigator the ‘truth’ about what happened to him. There is a natural and believable quality about Divesh that he consistently maintains throughout the two-hour and 10-minute running time. His scenes with his family and the relationships he developed with them are plausible, yet there remains a sadness, especially when we find out what happens to Pi’s family.

I was mesmerized, engrossed and utterly fascinated watching the puppeteers give and breathe life into Richard Parker, the Bengal tiger. I get it – we shouldn’t focus on the performers; we should watch Subaskaran’s work with the puppet. However, this ‘Life of Pi’ firmly solidifies puppetry as a veritable and truthful art form that can hit close to the human heart. The deserving standing ovation at the end certainly recognizes that.

A Final Thought: I have not yet read Yann Martell’s novel or watched the film. After seeing the live production, I know I must find time to do both.

Near the beginning of the play, Pi mentions his belief in God. In the hospital room, he asks the investigator whether she believes. I won’t spoil what the investigator says. I hoped the Christian connection in the stage play could have been more assertive and direct. As I re-read that last sentence, I now wonder if that connection will be made when I read the book and see the film.

In any event, I recommend a trip to ‘Life of Pi’, especially to see the wonders of stagecraft come alive for audiences and to be introduced to newcomer artist: Divesh Subaskaran.

Now, two questions emerge that my guest asked me: which of these two stories does the investigator prefer? And which of these stories do we, the audience, prefer?

Running time: approximately two hours and ten minutes with one intermission.

‘Life of Pi’ runs through October 6 at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street, Toronto. For tickets, visit mirvish.com or call 1-800-461-3333.

MIRVISH PRODUCTIONS presents
Simon Friend in association with Playing Field and Tulchin/Bartner the Sheffield Theatres production of
‘LIFE OF PI’ based on the novel by Yann Martel
Adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti

Directed by Max Webster
Set and Costume Designs: Tim Hatley
Puppet Designers: Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell
Video Design: Andrzej Goulding
Lighting Design: Tim Lutkin and Tim Deiling
Sound Design: Carolyn Downing

Performers: Divesh Subaskaran, Kazeem Tosin Amore, Antony Antunes, Bhawna Bhawsar, Ameet Chana, Fred Davis, Daisy Franks, Akash Heer, Katie Kennedy-Rose, Aizah Khan, Chand Martinez, Mohit Mathur, Mark Matthews, Goldy Notay, Riya Rajeev, Kate Rowsell, Lilian Tsang, Peter Twose, Vinesh Veerasami.