Arunachal Theatre Festival shines as Irish actor Pat Kinevane’s ‘King’ wins standing ovation

The second day of the Arunachal Rang Mahotsav, touted as the Northeast’s largest theatre festival, captivated audiences with powerful international performances, most notably the acclaimed Irish solo play “King”, written and performed by celebrated Irish artiste Pat Kinevane.

The 15-day cultural extravaganza at the DK Convention Centre has brought together artists, directors, and theatre enthusiasts from ten countries, marking the third international edition of a festival that has quickly evolved into a major global theatre platform for the region.

The award-winning play “King”, produced by Ireland’s renowned theatre company Fishamble, has earned international acclaim for its storytelling depth and compelling performance. The narrative revolves around Luther, a reclusive man from Cork named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who moonlights as an Elvis impersonator.

Blending humour with emotional weight, the play delves into themes of prejudice, privilege, mental health, isolation, trauma, and resilience—making it a strong contemporary reflection of identity and struggle.

Speaking to India Today, Pat Kinevane expressed deep admiration for Arunachal Pradesh and its people, sharing that this was his first visit to India.
“To be a good actor in theatre, one must surrender and let go of ego,” he remarked, drawing appreciation from theatre lovers and professionals present at the venue.

Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to India, also praised the festival’s international impact, noting that cultural exchanges like these help “bridge the distance between Ireland and Arunachal Pradesh” and strengthen people-to-people connections between the two regions.

Veteran actor and comedian Rakesh Bedi, who is part of the festival lineup, commended the initiative and highlighted his upcoming play “Massage”, scheduled for November 26. The play, he shared, explores the untold stories of Bollywood aspirants who pivot to unexpected paths after facing repeated setbacks.