Kamalay

An original work inspired by Asian myth and Kathakali dance.

Through the relationship of two sisters and all who are drawn into their tale, we see the struggle for all of us to define our place in the world.

A collaborative creation resulting in a complex, multi-layered piece based on an original story inspired by Indian and Burmese mythology. Kamalay tells the tale of two sisters, daughters of a great King, who are manipulated by the powers of the goddess Kali and battle each other for their place in the world. These unusual feminine archetypes explore the issues of power and empowerment in society and in personal relationships. Kamaly is an exciting exploration into the rich and demanding world of Indian Kathakali dance.

Reviews:

“The elaborate multi-faceted set design is a delight, the percussive musical accompaniment is expertly performed and well-conceived, and the costumes and masks, as is usually the case at Odyssey, are spectacular. Laurie Steven’s direction is supple and imaginative, as she keeps this restless fictional world in marvelous motion… Odyssey has delivered another magic evening of theatre. We are lucky to have such an imaginative and intelligent theatre company here in our city.”
—Tom McSorley, CBC Radio 1

“The spell cast by Kamalay is in the spectacle of Karen Rodd’s masks, Art Penson’s versatile set design, Ron Ward’s lighting and Anne-Marie Gaston’s choreography. Not to mention the music; it is all enhanced by Dan Sauvé’s performance. The formula of many seasons continues to work its charm under Steven’s assured direction.”
—Iris Winston, Ottawa Citizen

KAMALY
Based on a scenario by Laurie Steven, developed collaboratively by members of the cast
Director: Laurie Steven
Writer: Lib Spry
Dramaturge: Chet Rajani
Mask Design and Construction: Karen Rodd
Set and Costumes Design: Art Penson
Props Design: Isaiah King
Indian Dance Movement Coach and Choreography: Anne-Marie Gaston (Anjali)
Lighting Designer: Ron Ward
Musician and Musical Collaborator: John Armstrong
Musician and Musical Collaborator: Dan Sauvé
Stage Manager: Erin Oke
Assistant Stage Manager: Lucy Martin
Cast: Andrew Morphew, Jesse Buck, Jeffrey Aarles, Robert Ross Parker, Susan Bonham, Beverley Wolfe, Sarah Chrétien-Melbourne, Lincoln Shand, Lisa Norton, Sarah Bennet, Lindsey Milligan, Allison Patterson, Alistair Cheng, Matt Nemer, Andrew Watson