FringeReview India 2024
Glitch in the Myth
Anoushka Zaveri
Genre: Dance, Dance and Movement Theatre, Mime, Physical Comedy, Solo Performance, Solo Play, Solo Show, Theatre, World Theatre
Venue: The Theatre - The Old GMC Complex
Festival: FringeReview India, Serendipity Arts Festival
Low Down
Young actress Anoushka Zaveri delivers a mesmerizing 90-minute performance, reimagining the Ramayana through Sita’s perspective in a fresh, empowering narrative. Departing from the traditional tale, where Prince Rama is the hero, Zaveri presents Sita as an archetype of resilience and emancipation, navigating trials of pain and self-discovery to overcome societal constraints. Inspired by Indian tradition, the play weaves comedy, mime, dance, music, and prose into a cohesive and emotionally charged performance.
Review
Young actress Anoushka Zaveri commands the stage for 90 minutes with an impeccable performance, interpreting the role of Sita, the wife of Rama, the seventh avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu.
The play is based on the Ramayana, one of the two major epics of Hinduism, whose early text was composed between the 5th and 7th centuries BCE. In its original version, the protagonist is Prince Rama, who is banished from his kingdom of Ayodhya for 14 years and ventures into the forest with his wife, Sita. The tale takes a dramatic turn when Sita is abducted by the demon king Ravana, prompting Rama to lead a heroic battle to rescue her.
However, Anoushka Zaveri reimagines this epic journey from Sita’s perspective, offering a fresh and empowering narrative. She presents Sita as the archetype of the Indian woman striving for emancipation in a male-dominated society. Through a highly emotional and physically expressive performance, Zaveri portrays Sita’s struggles and resilience as she endures suffering in her role as the devoted wife.
In this retelling, Rama’s character is diminished, and his mother confesses to Sita that Rama is unfit to be king. Sita must compensate for his shortcomings by joining the “Sisterhood,” a secret congregation of women. However, entering the sisterhood requires her to traverse the darkness of the forest and endure the fiery trials of pain and self-discovery.
Taking inspiration from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Zaveri has Sita ponder, “To burn or not to burn, that is the question.” This infusion of modernity into the ancient Indian legend resonates deeply with the audience’s subconscious. Sita’s inner strength is tested as she encounters a multitude of characters, each brought to life by Zaveri with seamless transitions and splendid physical interpretations. When the moment comes for Sita to be abducted by Ravana, she is prepared to face the fire and emerge transformed. Even Ravana is taken aback by her newfound strength and independence, complaining, “If you come to me willingly, where’s the fun in it? Do you know how much an abduction costs these days? Food, lodging, etc.?”
The play alternates moments of physical and textual comedy, maintaining a steady rhythm that weaves together mime, dance, music, and prose into a cohesive and compelling performance.
On stage, Anoushka is accompanied by young Maahi Zaveri, who enhances the production with her percussive talent and melodious voice. The two interact dynamically throughout the performance, creating a unique synergy. Unlike many productions where musicians remain sidelined, Maahi becomes an integral part of the narrative, propelled into Anoushka’s imaginative world.
Trained as a classical Indian dancer, Anoushka Zaveri is also a masterful physical performer and actress. Her miming skills are exceptional, and her use of space and stage presence is nearly flawless, reminiscent of Jacques Lecoq’s physical theatre principles. The minimalist set design—featuring four long silk drapes and a few props such as a rope, a walking stick, and a scarf—highlights her physical artistry. This simplicity highlights the actress’ skills and makes the show portable, ideal for touring.
The text itself exemplifies what theatre should evoke: raw emotion. Zaveri delivers it organically, blending realism with lightness and depth. The play begins in pitch darkness, with Anoushka entering the stage holding a basket and a lantern, inviting the audience into a mysterious, secret world. She draws out a pair of drums and invites Maahi Zaveri to join her, setting the tone for the next 90 minutes of pure emotional energy.
The performance starts in Hindi but transitions smoothly into English after a few minutes, making it accessible to a broader audience. This play has the potential to captivate Western audiences as well, embodying many elements that make India so fascinating to the world.
As a foreigner to Hindu epics, I would have appreciated a brief 45-second introduction to the story before the start of the play, especially since it begins in Hindi. Nevertheless, this is a gem of a show that deserves to travel beyond India. Anoushka Zaveri may not yet realize the universal appeal of what she has created: a timeless archetype that resonates with audiences everywhere.
