"Pi's Life unveils at the Ahmanson: Weekend Arts & Culture in L.A."

lets dive into the mesmerizing world of "Life of Pi" at the Ahmanson Theatre, part of the initial North American tour after its grand debut on Broadway in 2023. This incredible production took home three Tony Awards and is now enthralling audiences in Los Angeles.

At the heart of this play lies Lolita Chakrabarti's stage adaptation of Yann Martel's bestselling 2001 novel. The story focuses on a shipwrecked Indian boy named Pi, who bravely endures at sea alongside a myriad of animals - most famously a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Designed by Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, these animal puppets are the star attractions, having taken three skilled puppeteers to bring Richard Parker's breathtaking presence to life.

This isn't mere children's entertainment, fear not. While the production carries crushing, thought-provoking themes that delve into life's mysteries and the specter of death, it also offers a spiritual perspective. Despite the intense moments, many attendees have observed 9-year-olds remaining transfixed, captivated by the poetic motion and otherworldly enchantment of the puppets.

Taha Mandviwala, the lead actor portraying Pi, excels at moving seamlessly across the stage in beautifully choreographed scenes that often resemble dance, pursuing communion with his animal co-stars. The ingenious puppeteers, working behind the scenes, render Richard Parker with an unsettling but intriguing taut, muscular menace, while masterfully capturing the kinetic energy of the orangutan, Orange Juice.

If you're in LA and yearn for an unforgettable theatrical adventure that tugs at the heartstrings and challenges the mind, "Life of Pi" is a must-see. With its astounding puppetry and powerhouse performances, it's nothing short of magic.

Weekly Arts Highlights

'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'

Twelve years before Ang Lee directed "Life of Pi," he stunned the world with "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." The groundbreaking film features striking performances from Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun Fat, and boasts four Oscar wins. On May 18, the Academy Museum will screen this cinematic masterpiece, with Ang Lee and actor Zhang Ziyi conversing with Academy of Motion Pictures President Janet Yang. Get your tickets here!

Milka Djordjevich: 'Bob'

Described as an exploration of the dancing body, Milka Djordjevich's 'Bob' is set to unleash an erotic performance at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA on May 18. Dive into the world of dance and revelry at 7:30 PM on Friday or 4 PM on Saturday. For more information, visit www.moca.org

Realms of the Dharma: Buddhist Art Across Asia

Showcasing 180 masterpieces of Buddhist art, this exhibition highlights the religious tradition's journey across Asia - from its origins in India to its spread in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal, Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan. The show runs from May 19 through July 12 at LACMA's Resnick Pavilion (5905 Wilshire Blvd, L.A.). Visit www.lacma.org for details.

The Week Ahead

Friday

Evergreen Review: Pat Thomas presents his new book, "Evergreen Review Magazine: Dispatches from the Literary Underground: Covers & Essays 1957-1973", discussing his work and experiences with fellow writer Jessica Hundley and illustrator Jess Rotter. Check it out at Book Soup (8818 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood) at 7 PM.
The Homecoming: Frédérique Michel directs this enigmatic drama by Harold Pinter. Performances run at City Garage (2525 Michigan Ave. Building T1, Santa Monica) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Get your tickets at citygarage.org

Saturday

Just Like Heaven: Rilo Kiley reunites for a special performance alongside Vampire Weekend, Bloc Party, and TV on the Radio at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Wicked: This beloved musical comes to life under the stars at the Autry Museum of the American West in Griffith Park. Grab dinner, listen to live music, and prepare for a night of enchantment. Find out more at streetfoodcinema.com

A Wrap-Up for the Week

Journalist Jessica Gelt provides insights on current arts news, including the USC-trained conductor Michael Tilson Thomas making his final public appearance, the photography of Lewis W. Hine igniting discussions on child labor, Center Theatre Group's upcoming 2025-26 season lineup, and Adam Lambert's role as Judas in the Hollywood Bowl's upcoming production of "Jesus Christ Superstar".

Also, don't forget to visit the Enrichment Data section for further details about "Life of Pi" and its spellbinding elements. Take a gander and broaden your understanding of this captivating theatrical event! Enjoy your delve into the arts scene!

The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles is hosting the North American tour of "Life of Pi," after its successful Broadway debut in 2023.
Yann Martel's bestselling novel, "Life of Pi," has been adapted for the stage by Lolita Chakrabarti, with Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell designing the animal puppets.
The play, "Life of Pi," features a shipwrecked Indian boy named Pi, who survives at sea amidst a variety of animals, including a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
Richard Parker's puppet is brought to life by three skilled puppeteers, showcasing an uncanny, yet captivating, taut, muscular menace.
The accomplished actor, Taha Mandviwala, plays Pi, moving gracefully across the stage in beautifully choreographed scenes that often resemble dance.
"Life of Pi" offers a theatrical adventure that is both heart-wrenching and intellectually stimulating, appealing to audiences of all ages.
Ang Lee, Director of "Life of Pi," will be screening his previous masterpiece, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles on May 18.
Milka Djordjevich's 'Bob,' a dance performance exploring the dancing body, will be held at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA on May 18 and 19.
Realms of the Dharma, a Buddhist art exhibition, showcasing 180 masterpieces, will run from May 19 to July 12 at LACMA's Resnick Pavilion.