Is it a coincidence that stories set for children about tall people often point to advanced life lessons, incorporate satire and provide symbolism for adults as well?

While this is true of the Jonathan Swift classic Gulliver’s Travels, Bracchio: The Story of a Lighthouse, written by Chennai-based author and playwright Venkataraghavan S, promises an experience that perhaps cannot be compared to the same specific sub-genre of the allegorical long novel. Can be added below.

In the play, to be presented on November 9 (at Medai) and November 10 (at Alliance Française, Madras) for children aged five to 10, Venkataraghavan tells the story of three best friends – Momo, Jojo, and a The Very Tall Lighthouse, Bracchio – who are going through a tough time in their relationship, must come together to protect their village and their friendship when a storm hits their seaside village. He further said, there will be stairs, shadow puppetry, circus tricks, magic tricks, song books and jokes. The play also includes original music by Kavya S, which adds to the drama of the play.

“I am a really tall person and the two other actors in the drama – Shraddha HR and Harshini B – are short. In the game, I use height, which provides a natural advantage to win the game. However, the friendship changes dramatically when a ladder salesman comes to town. Obviously there’s more inclusion,” he says.

He says eight demonstrations have taken place in the past in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. “This play is light and hence it is a great cleansing ritual, especially at a time when the world is going through a crisis. It presents quite a surprise for the audience. There is a sense of magical realism on stage,” he says. He added, “My favorite moments are when the audience goes wow.”

Brachio: The Story of a Lighthouse will be performed at Medai on November 9 and at Alliance Française, Madras on November 10 at 3.30 pm and 6 pm. Tickets are priced at ₹250 and are available on BookMyShow.