Written by Sraddha R
Edited by Jaanvi Thorat
Under the celestial spotlight, we showcased a tapestry of emotions through Navarasa, on the surreal night of April 27th, 2023. In a harmonious fusion of captivating storytelling and acting, rhythmic dance, and enchanting melodies, our Navarasa production became a symphony that transcended the boundaries of creative expression. In the mystical world of theatre, where emotions take flight and stories unfold, I had the privilege of being part of the captivating Navarasa production under the expert guidance of our mentor, Rajesh PI. Our group delved into the depths of three rasas - Bheebhatsya, Haasya, and Shanta. This thrilling experience not only broadened my understanding of the art form, but also filled my days with joy, laughter, and invaluable lessons.
Our path was paved with challenges. From finding the right space for practices to waking up early for 7 AM sessions amidst our academic struggles, we faced several hurdles. But each hurdle was an opportunity for growth, although we didn’t realize that in the moment. As we embarked on this artistic expedition, we found ourselves confronted with the complexities of portraying the raw and intense Bheebhatsya rasa. It demanded us to explore the darker facets of human emotions by meticulously weaving humor into the story through body theatre, which required coordination of our bodies and understanding of our minds. It helped in pushing our boundaries and testing our mettle. Through the intricate choreography, we aimed to evoke a sense of disgust with comic relief, ultimately creating a striking impact on our audience.
Transitioning from the depths of despair, the Shanta rasa dissected the suppressed anger in the audience and revealed the beauty of peace, and how it lies simply in the finer things in life. Through the Shanta piece, we explored the dissatisfaction of people, arising out of political power plays and the final pursuit of peace. We ended this play with Rabindranath Tagore’s poem, “Where the Mind is without Fear”, as it stands as a luminous beacon of hope and enlightenment, resonating with the essence of human aspiration and the quest for true freedom and peace. The play aimed at creating a powerful impact, reinforcing the importance of truth, reason, and knowledge in fostering a peaceful society free from fear.
The Haasya rasa infused our rehearsals as well as the auditorium with infectious energy and put a great end to the production. The art of comedic timing and the nuances of physical comedy challenged us to find our inner jesters. Rajesh sir's guidance helped us discover the delicate balance between satire and farce, as we constructed our own cinematic universe, Pollywood. As we stumbled through pratfalls and perfected our comic timing, the atmosphere brimmed with unwavering delight. The Haasya play was truly the cherry on top.
It was unreal to witness months of dedicated rehearsals unfold as the curtains finally rose on our Navarasa production. The stage transformed into a canvas where our emotions painted vivid pictures, claiming the stage and the audience’s undivided attention. The Navarasa production was particularly close to my heart as it helped my introverted self to open up and talk to people I wouldn’t have otherwise interacted with. It helped me present myself on stage, in Rajesh sir’s words, “subtly but effectively”. I truly admire Sir’s keen eye and understanding of every individual who was part of the theatre. His appreciative words along with his strong criticism helped transform our individual experiences into fun memories and learnings that we will carry with us forever. He encouraged and helped us claim any space or stage that we walked on, with confidence. And so we did.
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