Under the Mangosteen Tree

Step into the remarkable literary world of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer with Under the Mangosteen Tree, an acclaimed English theatre production presented by Perch and directed by Rajiv Krishnan. The play brings together a collection of Basheer's stories and blends them into a distinctive theatrical narrative filled with humour, tenderness, emotion and the unexpected turns of everyday human life.

🎭 A Journey Through Basheer's Stories

The production brings together multiple stories by the celebrated Malayalam writer, creating a theatrical experience that moves between different characters, situations and emotions. Rather than presenting the stories as isolated episodes, the production connects them through a flowing, non-linear narrative.

📖 Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's World on Stage

Basheer's writing is known for its warmth, simplicity, humour and deeply human characters. Under the Mangosteen Tree captures these qualities through live performance, allowing audiences to experience his stories through acting, movement and storytelling.

❤️ Love, Humour & Pathos

At its heart, the production brings together three powerful elements — love, humour and pathos. Moments of laughter sit alongside tenderness, longing and emotional reflection, creating a theatrical experience with a wide range of moods.

🌳 The Spirit of the Mangosteen Tree

The title recalls the famous image of Basheer sitting beneath the mangosteen tree at his home in Beypore, where visitors would gather around him to listen to his stories. That intimate spirit of storytelling becomes an important inspiration for the production.

🎤 Basheer as Narrator, Participant & Witness

One of the distinctive elements of the production is the presence of Basheer himself as a connecting character. He moves between being a narrator, a participant and a witness, helping guide audiences through the different stories and experiences.

🎨 A Creative Theatrical Experience

The production combines acting, storytelling and creative stagecraft to transform literary works into a live theatrical experience. The result is a performance designed to engage both the imagination and emotions of the audience.

🌏 A Celebration of Indian Literature

For audiences interested in Indian literature and theatre, Under the Mangosteen Tree offers an opportunity to experience the work of one of Malayalam literature's most celebrated writers through live performance.

👥 For Theatre & Literature Lovers

Whether you're already familiar with Basheer's stories or discovering his work for the first time, the production offers an accessible way to explore his distinctive storytelling through theatre.

✨ What to Expect

• 🎭 English theatre performance
• 📖 Stories inspired by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer
• ❤️ Themes of love and relationships
• 😂 Moments of humour
• 💭 Emotional and thought-provoking storytelling
• 🌳 Basheer-inspired storytelling atmosphere
• 🎨 Creative theatrical presentation
• 🎤 A blend of narration, acting and storytelling
• 🇮🇳 A celebration of Indian literary heritage

Under the Mangosteen Tree is more than a collection of stories — it is an invitation to enter Basheer's imaginative world and experience the humour, humanity and emotions that continue to make his writing memorable.

🎭 Experience Exceptional Theatre

Watch a distinctive English theatre production that brings the imaginative world of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer to life through acting, storytelling, movement and creative stagecraft.

📖 Discover Basheer's Timeless Stories

Experience a collection of Basheer's stories woven together into one theatrical journey, exploring different characters, situations and emotions while retaining the writer's unique warmth and wit.

❤️ Explore Love, Humour & Human Emotions

The production moves between laughter, tenderness, longing, sadness and reflection, offering an emotional experience that feels both entertaining and deeply human.

🌳 Meet Basheer on Stage

Basheer himself becomes the connecting presence within the production, taking on the roles of narrator, participant and witness as the stories unfold.

🎨 Experience Creative Storytelling

The production uses imaginative theatrical techniques rather than relying solely on realistic sets. This allows the audience to use their own imagination while following the characters and stories.

🌟 Discover Indian Literary Heritage

For anyone interested in Indian literature, theatre or storytelling, the production provides an engaging way to experience the work of one of Malayalam literature's most celebrated writers.

😂 Enjoy the Humour

Basheer's stories are not only serious or emotional. His distinctive wit and playful approach bring plenty of laughter and lighter moments to the stage.

💭 Leave With Something to Think About

Beyond entertainment, the stories explore ordinary people, relationships, loneliness, love, adventure and the complexities of human life — themes that continue to resonate with audiences today.

🎬 See a Long-Running Theatre Production

Under the Mangosteen Tree first premiered in 2008 and has travelled to theatres and festivals across India, building a lasting connection with audiences over the years.

👥 Perfect for Theatre & Literature Lovers

Whether you're a regular theatre-goer, a Basheer reader or simply curious about Indian storytelling, this production offers a memorable evening of live performance.

✨ Experience Stories That Connect

The production brings together humour, emotion and imagination in a way that encourages audiences to see the beauty and complexity in everyday human experiences.