Playback Theatre

Attended 64 hours (in three months) in a Certificate Course in Playback Theatre conducted here in Christ University (along with Script Peoples Theatre) was an awesome experience

Credit goes to the phenomenal trainer we had in Rajesh P I and the wonderful team of playbackers ( a mix of students and industry professionals)

There are no practices or scripts here, the topic is given and we have to perform. No classroom sessions, just games, acting, innovating, creating , feeling ........... We had a final performance on 25th September in front of a small crowd

The impact of the workshop was so high for me that I concluded my documentation for the workshop with the following lines

"When the mind is ready and visualization is clear and with all the positive energy around the universe will conspire for you and when one becomes a witness to so many miracles, one cannot but bend down to say a prayer of gratitude"

Acting : Beyond Boundaries

When Sibu Sir (TIE) offered me an opportunity to act as a murderer just returned from jail, I was excited to say the least. Add to that the murderer(Ashwin) was repenting on the very day of his heinous crime. Three short scenes, but on the same hand a powerful and emotional one. I practiced with the group and even at home. I had to practice staying in a depressed, frustrated and repentant state for the first 6 scenes of the play. The second scene was in the shadow so I had to make sure that I used my hands and the body language more effectively.

I learnt a lot of things in the process of practices. What makes it memorable was the comradeship we shared with the fellow actors, dancers, backstage artists and the director. The environment was friendly and even though the director had a strict eye on quality nobody felt a hanging Damocles sword. The passion and dedication of the fellow artist pushed me to take that extra yard. I was acting after twelve long years and being part of this production and standing under the lights in huge Christ Auditorium was an impossible dream just a month before.

Three shows to remember, my kids loved my performance and kept repeating my dialogues in the next two weeks

Playbacker;s Prayer

Background : I am taking part in a Certificate Course in Playback Theatre, it is an amazing experience as you get to think, act, innovate three times a week for 3 months. This poem was inspired by a great teacher and a very energetic and innovative class.

(half way thru the course)

Dear Lord,

If life is a play
Teach me to act according to your way

If life is a walk
What pace will I take
What friends will I make

If life is a freeze
What opportunity will I seize

If life is machine
Teach me to make my repetitions fine
Happy even on a production line

If life is a tableau
Teach me to add value in the show
And innovate on my toe

If life is a fluid sculpture
Teach me not to rupture
The very fabric of your structure

If life is a script
Even I have no line I am fine
But if I have one, not my wish but thine

If life is a play
Teach me to act according to your way