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Behind the Scenes Pavilion/LIJO RENY Architects
Text description provided by the architect. Named “Behind the Scenes” (pun intended) in celebration of the prestigious ITFOK (International Theater Festival of Kerala), the pavilion is mainly dedicated to showcasing the outstanding retrospective works of the famous landscape background artist “The Artist Sujathan”. The sets and backgrounds of many of Kerala’s famous professional plays were designed and created by artist Sujathan in a career spanning approximately 50 years, with a repertoire of more than 4,000 plays. Sujathan’s traditional method is to create paintings on cloth using pigments mixed with gum arabic. His contributions have been recognized by numerous honors, including 15 national awards and the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship.
This structure/installation has been thoughtfully designed to transcend its original role as a temporary structure, serving as a gallery showcasing a curated collection of backdrops from iconic Malayalam dramas that have become deeply ingrained in the fabric of society over the decades. The collective memory of theater audiences. Additionally, it has been designed with attention to detail, adapting seamlessly to host a variety of events, including artist talks, musical evenings and theater discussions, while also providing a tranquil place to relax under the shade of the trees.
The pavilion is designed to resemble a large, bright lantern at dusk, heralding the bustle of the ongoing Kerala International Theater Festival, which can be seen from a distance and around the venue. The building’s exterior form hints at what’s inside, inviting viewers to explore further. The dramatic backdrop is integrated into the facade, blurring the distinction between interior and exterior, making it a structure that is pleasing to the eye from all directions.
This simple yet complex structure delicately balances the built and unbuilt, creating complex spatial arrangements that invite the viewer to experience the artwork in a completely unique way, transforming the act of moving through these spaces into an extraordinary event . The aim was to evoke the visual memory of the temporary structures used during festivals in temples and churches across the state, while departing from the typical “shamiyana panthal”.
In previous editions of the festival, the “Meet the Artists” event was traditionally held outdoors, under the shelter of the big trees on campus. Transitioning to interior spaces this year, the architects deliberately sought to evoke the essence of past experiences. This is achieved through the use of a roof that is partially clad in fabric, capturing the shadow pattern of the tree canopy and allowing sunlight to flow through, creating a captivating interplay of dappled light throughout the space.
In addition to the backdrop used for the displays, the pavilion is mainly constructed from two cost-effective materials: MS box-shaped sections form the skeleton, while Cora cotton, commonly used in theater backdrops, is used for panels and tape to facilitate its assembly onto the frame. Interior lighting was facilitated by LED contour lights generously loaned by a local lighting company. This material saving resulted from budget constraints and the urgency of designing and installing the structure in just seven days. Additionally, any excess box sections were repurposed into stylish benches, ensuring minimal waste during the project.
Typical dimensions of vertical and horizontal grids used in professional theater backdrop structural design in Kerala are 20′ x 10′ and 10′ x 10′. The set backdrops, blank panels and fabric canopy were all mounted to the structural frame using fabric straps, using methods commonly used by theatrical backdrop and prop installers to ensure easy removal and minimize the risk of damage. Fabric curtains suspended above the central space are reminiscent of theater curtains and play a vital role in softening the harsh afternoon sun. Gently swaying in the breeze, they introduce a dynamic visual element into the otherwise static panels, effectively distinguishing this area from the rest of the space.
The design of this pavilion touches the ground lightly in terms of structure and materials, leaving no trace after dismantling.
(Postscript: The MS tubes used in this project were reused to construct the roof of an existing building on the same campus. The artist retained the white corrab used for blank panels to create new backdrops for upcoming theatrical productions.)
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