Offering a unique experience

In a thought-provoking session on the role of women in society, Goethe bangaloREsidents@Jaaga presented ‘A Room of our Own’, a theatre documentary at Goethe Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan in the City recently.

Outlined on Virginia Woolf’s essay, ‘A Room of One’s Own’, the performance integrated popular Indian texts. The presentation was a mix of audio, video as well as narration. It captured the role and journey of women over the ages.

According to Prashant Sankaran, one of the performers, documentary theatre
as a concept has just about started gaining popularity
in India.

“We were keen to use this method so that people here would get to know about it. Especially since we were working around a social issue, we were sure that this method was a good way to depict it,” he said.

He added, “What’s better is that it’s informal and we are free to express what we feel.”
Neha Nahata, another performer, opined, “A number of stories were personal encounters. While some of us even shared our personal experiences, there were many who preferred to narrate relevant texts.”

Although Neha has been into theatre, she said this was a fresh experience. “The passages were chosen very carefully, which meant that we had to do a lot of research for it. It’s been an enjoyable experience,” added Neha.

Getting the audience to engage in a performance can be quite a challenge. Kai Tuchmann, the stage director, felt that the curiosity about the concept is sure to attract the attention of the spectators. Pointing to the performers, Kai said that they were an interesting lot to work with.

“Right from discussing ideas to putting together the script and practising, it has been a learning experience. Now, I think I know much more about India,” said Kai from Germany, who came to the country two months ago.

Impressed by the dedication shown by the performers, social worker Angelique Doludag, who was involved in putting together the workshop said, “The performers, many of who are professionals, would complete their work and then come for the practice sessions. What surprised me was the way they made time to come and
practice.

Honestly, I hadn’t expected this kind of dedication.” Emphasising that each performer had brought in his or her ideas, Angelique added, “Each scene had been well thought of.”

There was a mixed reaction from the audience. “I am here to see what’s new. I thought it was interesting but they could have done better with a little more practice.

But the different texts from different genres and ages being knit together was something different,” said Rakesh, a member of the audience. Sharanya, another member of the audience, stated, “The issue was relevant and I must say they did a good job.”