International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFOK) 2023 featured a pavilion called ‘BEHIND The SCENES’, which was designed to showcase the exceptional work done by the artist Sujathan. Numerous sets and backdrops for Kerala’s renowned professional plays were designed and created by the artist in a career spanning over five decades.
This pavilion was an installation crafted with precision to serve more than its initial idea as a temporary gallery and to showcase the iconic and unique backdrops from Malayalam dramas, which have been well-received by the audience for decades. It was designed as a multipurpose installation, for events including artist talks, music evenings, theatre discussion, and a serene spot for relaxation.
Lijo Jos, and Reny Lijo, Principal Architects, LIJO.RENY.architects, delves into the intricate aspects behind the ‘BEHIND the SCENES’ pavilion, explaining how the materials were chosen specifically for their ease of assembly and how they were repurposed following its dismantling.
Staging Art
The pavilion was crafted to look like a big bright lantern at twilight, embodying the excitement of ITFOK, and standing out from afar, visible to those around the venue. The exterior of the pavilion hinted at what lay within, igniting a curiosity among the visitors to explore it further. In order to blur the line between indoors and outdoors, drama backdrops were incorporated into the facade, which helped enhance the overall appeal of the structure as well.
This understated yet elegant structure stood out as a balance between the built and the unbuilt spaces and showed intricate arrangements that invited the viewers to experience the artworks uniquely. The aim was to evoke the visual memory of temporary structures used in temple and church festivals across the state while moving away from the conventional ‘shamiyana panthal’.
For the 2023 edition, the ‘meet the artist’ events were planned indoors, and it was intentionally aimed to capture the essence of past experiences. It was accomplished by integrating a roof partly draped with fabric, allowing the shadows of the tree canopies and streams of sunlight to filter through, painting a mesmerising image of the dappled light throughout the space.
Curtains Up
The team encountered a major challenge due to the limited budget and the brief seven-day period for both the design and the construction. Additionally, finding materials that were both cost-effective and met the pavilion’s aesthetic and functional needs further complicated the project.
In order to overcome these challenges, the team opted to use readily available materials like MS box sections and kora cotton cloth and repurposed any surplus materials to minimise waste. Interior lighting was provided by LED profile lights, generously lent by a local lighting company.
MS box sections were specifically chosen for the pavilion’s construction because of their budget efficiency, structural strength, and ease of assembly. These features were instrumental in creating a durable yet lightweight frame which could be assembled and dismantled quickly. The design involves vertical and horizontal grids based on the standard sizes for professional theatrical backdrops in Kerala, measuring 20′ x 10′ and 10′ x 10′.
The iconic scenographic backgrounds, blank panels, and fabric canopy are all attached to the frame using cloth tapes, a technique which is often used by theatrical sets and prop builders. The fabric drapes suspended above the central area, resembling the theatre curtains cater to diffusing the intensity of the afternoon sunlight.
Vanishing Act
The ‘BEHIND The SCENES’ pavilion was designed with minimal impact on the site, in terms of both the structure and the materials used, allowing it to be dismantled without leaving a trace behind. The usage of cloth tapes for rigging materials helped minimise damage and facilitated easy removal.
Both the materials were repurposed after the dismantling of the installation. The MS tubes were reused to construct the roof of an existing building on the same campus. On the other hand, kora cotton cloth was preserved by the artist to create new backdrops for upcoming theatrical productions.
Fact File
Project Name: BEHIND the SCENES, Artist Sujathan Scenic Gallery for ITFOK 2023, Thrissur
Client: International Theatre Festival Of Kerala
Architect: LIJO.RENY.architects
Fabricator: Majo Fabricators
Current Status: Dismantled
Completion Year: 2023
Quote
“The ‘BEHIND the SCENES’ pavilion is a masterful example of thoughtful and resourceful design under constraints. The project’s success lies in its ability to balance aesthetics with practicality, creating a space that not only showcases the artistry of Sujathan but also respects the temporary nature of the structure. By embracing a minimal impact approach, the pavilion not only fulfilled its purpose but also set a benchmark in sustainable, adaptive design. The repurposing of materials post-dismantling further highlights the project’s commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness.”
Lijo Jos and Reny Lijo, Principal Architects, LIJO.RENY.architects
