Life of Pi Ahmanson

While so many of us ask “why am I on this earth?” LIFE OF PI at the Ahmanson Theatre strives to answer that question. We all share the experience of both joys and struggles in our lives. However, when tragedy strikes our faith is tested, doubts appear and conflict ensues. Despite the terrifying events that LIFE OF PI revolves around, hope is the main character of this story.

Lolita Chakrabarti wonderfully adapts the play from Yann Martel’s 2001 novel of the same name. It won three Tony Awards® as well as the Olivier Award for Best Play. LIFE OF PI premiered in England in 2019, moving on to the West End. It finally debuted on Broadway in 2023. Audiences praised the play, particularly for its visuals and innovations in puppetry.

Life of Pi at the Ahmanson

This production, directed by Max Webster, continues to brilliantly utilize puppetry bringing inanimate works of art to life. At some points, up to three puppeteers per animal were used to animate the intricate and beautifully crafted puppets. The manipulation of these important characters was stellar, thus suspending our disbelief and allowing our imagination to embrace the journey.

Taha Mandviwala, the actor playing the role of Pi, was extraordinary. He interacted with the puppets in such a truthful way, it further enabled our acceptance of the art form.

The Story of LIFE OF PI

The play opens in a hospital room after the tragic sinking of a merchant vessel and the loss of all its passengers but one. Pi, the sole survivor, hides under his bed, as Mr. Okamoto (Alan Ariano), an official from the Japanese Ministry of Transport attempts to coax him out. He is joined by Lulu Chen (Mi Kang), an empathetic representative from the Canadian Embassy. Questions must be answered, and Pi is the only witness. But he’s in shock, and the questions create terrifying flashbacks.

In addition to taking us back with stories of his childhood in India, Pi describes an elaborate tale of survival including bizarre interactions with several animals. Pi’s family rushed to leave India due to government turmoil, and they loaded the animals from their zoo onto the ship with them. Exhibiting the animals would be their source of income, when they reached Canada. As the play progresses, jumping back and forth in time, Pi’s tale becomes more and more difficult to believe. As the story unfolds, we realize his version of the fantastical events was actually a coping mechanism. It was his way of psychologically, spiritually and emotionally coping with an experience too horrific to accept.

Unique Stage design

While Pi recounts his treacherous escapade, the scenes are cleverly set to bring us back to his experience, drifting through the sea for over two hundred days. Puppeteers play multiple roles creating a fantasy-like ballet which visually returns us to the scene of the tragic ordeal. Other tasks taken on by the puppeteers included actually lifting Pi up in the air to create the illusion of him floating in the ocean. Then others created waves, with floating objects from the shipwreck and a school of luminous fish darting through the sea. The scenery was moved as needed with no attempt to hide the people doing it. The audience seemed to universally accept this, as the animal puppets, sound, lighting and other elements lured us into the story.

Creative Visionaries

Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell masterfully created the puppets. Kudos to Tim Hatley who created both costumes and the sets. Andrzej Goulding (animation/video), Tim Deiling and Tim Lutkin (lighting) as well as Carolyn Downing (sound) also contributed excellent work. It all came together very well.

As we all know, visual and performing art in every form is subject to the viewer’s own interpretation. What you walk away with may be completely different than the person sitting next to you. Life of Pi will take you on an emotional journey. You most certainly will be entertained, as the puppetry itself is astounding. The play is filled with struggle, humor and hope. Do yourself a favor. Sail on down to the Ahmanson Theatre to see this stirring production of Life of Pi before it’s too late. It may just change your take on life. Visit the LIFE OF PI preview feature on our sister site LAArtParty.com for more info. The show runs through June 1, 2025; Tickets start at $40.25; Ahmanson Theatre, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90012; http://CenterTheatreGroup.org