JOIN US'We are trying to create a non-judgmental space'
First Drop Theater stages the 3rd show of ‘Games People Play’, an interactive or playback theatre performance, on June 2 at Atta Galatta, Koramangala.
Started in 2016 by Bejoy and Radhika Jain, the ten-member group has staged over 20 shows.
In a chat with Metrolife, Radhika talks about the playback theatre format, its audience and more.
How does playback theatre work?
Playback can work with/without a theme. There are also different formats -- short and long. Any story given is played and if 5 members are on stage, each one of them gets a chance. They go one after another. In the case of story formats, the entire crew play it together.
‘Games People Play’ has a theme, where the audience shares stories from their relationships and workplaces. This is a kind of game we play, allowing them to talk about their experiences, and we portray them. We do not know any story before the show and just enact their feelings without adding any twist to it.
There is a conductor who asks basic questions and the audience answer. The conductor gives the story to any of the members, and they play it. The actors try to portray an audience’s feelings through metaphors, images, poetry, bodily movement.
How do you manage to play these roles on spot?
We have sessions; we don’t call it rehearsals because we don’t have a script to practice. The team works for a long time, and we focus on building energy, coordination and spontaneity.
When we play in front of people, we work on how different member sync with one another by taking certain roles and playing their part. We listen carefully and empathise with the story, feel it and portray like the person who asked for it.
Who decides on who gets to play a role?
The person who tells the story picks the person they want to play their part. So, if a woman tells her story, she can ask anyone on the stage to play it; that’s the beauty of it.
Which types of story are commonly shared? Did any story stay with you?
It depends on each person. Some may choose a happy one and some have the strength to share their most embarrassing ones. There was this one man who shared his story of being sexually harassed at a young age.
I feel it took a lot of courage for him to share it, but he made it easy for us without creating an uncomfortable moment.
What is the spirit of playback theatre according to you?
The shows are for a very intimate audience of 50. We are aiming for a platform where people feel safe and free to share their story. Lot of times deep stories are shared and sometimes funny ones roll out.
It’s hard for us to come together to meet and talk about ourselves in front of strangers. Therefore, we are trying to create a non-judgmental space in a world where everyone is judged.
Event details
‘Games People Play’ will be staged on June 2 at 6:30 pm at Atta Galatta, Koramangala. For tickets, visit www.bookmyshow.com.