Thomas Derrah, a seasoned actor from Cambridge, found himself delving into the role of Kaa, the cunning snake in the Huntington Theatre Company’s rendition of “The Jungle Book.” Long before landing this part, Derrah frequented the Franklin Park Zoo, drawing inspiration from observing animals to enhance his understanding of human behavior, a vital skill for any actor.
As Derrah prepared to embody Kaa, he reflected on the unique challenge of anthropomorphizing a snake character without limbs, relying solely on hypnotism to deceive. His portrayal was further enriched by a 26-foot puppet snake that required two handlers, adding depth to Kaa’s multifaceted persona.
When asked about the sources of his inspiration for the role, Derrah referenced literary figures like Charles Dickens’ Uriah Heep, infusing his performance with a blend of insinuation and cunning. The adaptation and direction of “The Jungle Book” by Mary Zimmerman, renowned for her innovative productions, offered a fresh perspective on the classic tale, showcasing her distinctive approach to theater.
Zimmerman’s unconventional method of developing the play through improvisation, without a fixed script, underscored her creative prowess and garnered support from both theaters and Disney. The inclusion of iconic songs from the animated film added a nostalgic touch to the production, complementing Zimmerman’s bold vision and collaborative spirit.
Rooted in Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories, “The Jungle Book” resonates with themes of belonging and the quest for a place to call home, a sentiment that Derrah humorously likened to the conclusion of “The Wizard of Oz.” For Derrah, home is in Cambridge, where he returned after an enriching stint in Chicago, captivated by the vibrant theater scene but drawn back by the allure of familiar landscapes.
Despite months of rehearsals and performances, Zimmerman’s dedication to refining the production led to a second round of rehearsals in Boston, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in the creative process. Derrah highlighted the luxury of extended rehearsal periods, contrasting with the typical brief timelines in theater, advocating for more time to delve deeper into character development.
With “The Jungle Book” captivating audiences at the BU Theatre in Boston, Derrah’s portrayal of Kaa stands as a testament to the transformative power of theater and the enduring appeal of classic tales reimagined for contemporary audiences. As the curtain rises on each performance, Derrah’s portrayal of the enigmatic snake weaves a spellbinding narrative that transcends the boundaries of time and genre.
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