IT IS YOU review: A searing yet relatable eco-fable that nudges you to compassionately respond to a crisis
Led by Kalakshetra Manipur’s Pangambam Tyson Meitei and Our Theatre Collective’s Vivek Vijayakumaran, IT IS YOU is a must watch!
By Reema Gowalla
Rating: ****/5
IT IS YOU, a powerful 60-minute performance by Kalakshetra Manipur’s Pangambam Tyson Meitei and Our Theatre Collective’s Vivek Vijayakumaran, is about ‘you’ — how you perceive the world; what are its threats and challenges; and how your inner self responds to all that you see and feel. This non-verbal play dabbles in an intimately designed soundscape, anchored by a range of traditional wind and percussion instruments. Breath, body tension and emotional discomfort take centre stage, as two characters (who could be two sides of the same person) constantly wrestle to find a balance outside and within themselves.
At once artistic and provocative, the wordless play inspires you to pay attention, immerse yourself in its rhythms and maneuvers and introspect, as a response. The themes of ‘collective responsibility’, ‘identity’ and ‘the future of our planet’ constantly entwine with the sound of musical instruments, background score and fabric that sprawls across the stage, while also lending a direction to the narrative. The two characters — Pangambam in black and Vivek in white — represent belligerence and fragility as they negotiate dilemma and vulnerability amid conflict. The lack of congruence between them, their inconsistencies and friction are closely monitored by a divine power that intervenes when things go out of bounds. The performance brilliantly mixes elements of movement arts and theatre while jostling to portray apprehension, anxiety and playfulness.
IT IS YOU’s soundscape — designed by Chaoba Thiyam and operated by Kshetrimayum Priyobrata Singh — deserves a special mention, as it not only helps you soak in the aura of the performance but also perceive the situation and interpret it in a personal context. It’s quite intriguing how a wordless play, which unravels in a rather abstract style, can have such a profound effect on the audience. In a recent interview with TheatreRoom, Vivek and Tyson elaborated on why it took them over two years to craft and curate this piece, for which they drew inspiration from different real-life incidents. While the message about environmental conservation is evident, IT IS YOU is also ‘a critical reflection on where humanity stands today’. Mind you, Tyson comes from the northeastern state of Manipur, which has been embroiled in ethnic violence and political disputes for several months. Meanwhile, according to Vivek, years of recognising religious intolerance in the country compelled him to write this play in the first place. In a sense, it’s a timeless narrative of human existence that evaluates pre-conceived systems and behaviours.
Laishram Ibochouba Singh’s light design, with Arun DT handling its execution, adds more depth and precision to the narrative. Even though clash and contention are the seemingly the central tenets of the piece, reflection and realisation are its most important plot devices. The story is constantly tailored to expound a cause-and-effect formula. The play sheds light on the repetitive nature of things, entailing consequences accordingly.
Produced by Our Theatre Collective and Kalakshetra Manipur, IT IS YOU’s opening shows at Ranga Shankara on January 31 and February 1 were supported by Nirdigantha through Prakash Raj Foundation. The play transcends the boundaries of language and culture to forge a raw, impassioned connection with the audience. And it succeeds in doing that to a great extent. Vivek — who is also trained in Kalaripayattu and Koodiyattam — redefines theatre in this genre-bending piece. Sans the spoken word, he impresses with a stunning depiction of fear, vulnerability and surrender just via movement and brilliant facial expressions. Meanwhile, Tyson steals the show with his command over the flute and a range of high-pitch percussion instruments. The perfection, profundity and rigour with which he plays his character on stage is a delight for anyone who takes interest in movement and performing arts. Very delicately, they blend different art forms of two distinct cultures and geographical locations, stirring up emotions and sentiments in a non-verbal performance.
Watch IT IS YOU for its honest and nuanced approach to portray an array of themes that may seem to revolve around Mother Earth in general, but they also tug at your heart and prompt you to sit back and rethink your own surroundings. It’s a lot like yin and yang — forces that are opposing, but not necessarily incompatible. The play encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and react to challenges. More than maintaining neutrality, it inspires to work toward sustainability and balance, both in nature and your personal life. Compassion, empathy and courage must guide us, as we seek to find poise and peace like the universe.
