OMAR AND THE UNDERWORLD by Varun Narain | India
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For Ages 5+
28 mins | English |
The Plant Kingdom and the Kingdom of Fungi are separate – yet work intimately enabling crucial life processes. The root network and fungal mycelium underground is considered the largest organism on Earth and has been compared to the internet and called ‘The Wood Wide Web’.
‘Omar and the Underworld’ is a story about young boy who learns about this world when he goes to stay with his grandfather – who is an environmental scientist. The characters of Mushrooms and Lichens come alive talk and sing to Omar as his grandfather brings science to life forging a deep bond with his grandson. |
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Credits
Fabricated, Performed and Recorded by Varun Narain Supported by the ThinkArts Grant 2021 |
Varun Narain is a puppeteer who believes in blurring boundaries. He is both alumnus and visiting faculty at the Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi where he lectures the MA programme in Development Communication in Puppetry and Traditional Entertainment. Varun was the first artist-in-residence to be facilitated by Pro Helvetia at the Schlachthaus Theater, Berne, Switzerland. He received a New Performance grant from the India Foundation for the Arts, to develop an Indian adaptation of the ballet, Giselle. His performative installation on global warming Photosynthesis by Moonlight was performed in schools and colleges in Delhi. His production of Ginger and Cacao premiered at the opening soiree for the India Art Fair 2019 at the Embassy of Switzerland. Varun has recently created and performed for virtual platforms such as Serendipity Arts Foundation; Kahaani Online (Teamwork Arts) and The Same Boat Theatre’s festival ‘Earthquake.’
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