From Poomala to St Petersburg: Mallu P Shekhar to make history on Russian stage
Mallu is set to showcase his versatility by playing four characters simultaneously.
Mallu is set to showcase his versatility by playing four characters simultaneously.
Mallu is set to showcase his versatility by playing four characters simultaneously.
Thodupuzha: Mallu P Shekhar, an actor from Poomala village, is preparing to take centre stage at the Alexandrinsky International Theatre Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia.
On September 2 and 3, Shekhar will perform in a Malayalam adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, Peer Gynt. Mallu is set to showcase his versatility by playing four characters simultaneously. The production, by the Thrissur-based Oxygen Theatre Company, is directed by Deepan Sivaraman.
The event marks a historic moment, as it is the first time Russia’s national theatre, the Alexandrinsky, has ever hosted an Indian play.
A prominent figure in the Thrissur theatre scene for over two decades, this is Shekhar’s second international tour. Two years ago, he participated in the Wuhan International Theatre Festival in Shanghai, China.
Shekhar began his theatrical journey as a student at Poomala Government Tribal HSS, where he became involved with theatre through the M I Raman Memorial Library. He later moved to Thrissur to pursue his passion more actively and has since performed in numerous theatre festivals across India.
Over the years, he has acted in 14 films, including Asppan and Abhaasam and is currently part of a new show by the Oorali Band, which blends music, acting and circus performance.
Shekhar is the son of farmers Chandrashekharan and Thankamani. He is married to U R Rani Mol, a clerk at the Industries Department, and the couple has two children, Thenan and Neythal.