Ary Satish enthralls with adaptation of Kafka’s The Metamorphosis in Mumbai
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) recently hosted a sold-out adaptation of Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis as part of the prestigious annual Literature Live! Festival in Mumbai.
Established in 1969, the National Centre for the Performing Arts — India’s leading cultural institution and largest performing arts centre, as well as the first multi-venue, multi-genre cultural hub in South Asia — served as the stage for this production, which delves into themes of isolation, dehumanisation and existential dread, captivating audiences and critics in Mumbai’s contemporary theatre scene. Leading the production was acclaimed theatre actor Ary Satish, whose portrayal of Gregor Samsa left a mark on the audiences.
His performance, characterised by intense physicality and raw emotional depth, brought Kafka’s unsettling narrative to life in a way few have managed before. Each agonising movement and expression painted a vivid picture of Gregor’s transformation, drawing the audience into his harrowing descent.
Beyond Satish’s performance, the production was lauded for its artistic execution. The minimalist yet evocative set design created an eerie atmosphere, effectively mirroring Gregor’s growing sense of entrapment. A masterful use of lighting and sound heightened the tension, further immersing the audience in the protagonist’s nightmarish reality.
The show also drew notable figures from the entertainment industry including Quasar Thakore-Padamsee and Asad Laljee. Thakore-Padamsee, a driving force behind QTP Entertainment and a member of the renowned Thakore-Padamsee family, has played a crucial role in shaping Indian theatre and cinema. Laljee, curator of India’s Royal Opera House and CEO of Avid Learning, praised Satish’s performance, the production’s execution and its cultural significance.
With the commercial success of The Metamorphosis, Satish continues to solidify his reputation as one of contemporary theater’s compelling performers.
