Notion(s): In Between You and Me — Savita Rani’s devised solo act probes the impact of shifting socio-political dynamics on our identity
The 60-minute episodic piece is scheduled to take place at Ranga Shankara this evening
By Reema Gowalla
Interdisciplinary artist Savita Rani’s devised solo performance, Notion(s): In Between You and Me, is just as much a collective reflection as it is a thread of personal stories. The project is an effort to decode how the world’s changing socio-political situations directly impact our identity, and are somewhat proportional to the shifts that we experience in our private lives. ‘We are connected to the world mostly through our defined identities and keep using all kinds of notions to defend, save and amplify our identities influenced by the socio-economic power equations based on religion, region, caste, gender, complexion, race, nationality, colour and body structure’. The genre-splicing piece adopts an episodic format, with the narrative relying on storytelling, spoken words and physical images to convey a message. Notion(s) begins with a strong statement by the solo performer as a woman.
Before its maiden Ranga Shankara performance today (March 21), Notion(s): In Between You and Me was showcased at the Serendipity Arts Festival in 2022, at the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) in 2023 as well as at Adishakti Theatre’s Remembering Veenapani Festival, among others. A National School of Drama alumna, Savita — who is a performer, researcher, writer, director and acting trainer — recently indulged in a candid conversation with TheatreRoom, throwing insights on the making of the piece. Excerpts from the interview:
Q. Tell us about the concept of Notion(s): In Between You and Me. What led to the creation of this piece?
A. The term ‘notions’ came to me as I was trying to decipher the deeper meaning of the term ‘nation’. There are so many things happening around us everyday. People are facing numerous challenges, as one nation or state is in conflict with another. Thus, when this question of ‘what a nation actually means to us’ started bothering me, I slowly realised that it is actually a ‘notion’ that we believe in, because we are told so. It’s all about your identity. To be precise, the theme of identity politics — which ecompasses our gender, caste, colour and religion — started appearing like notions to me. But I believe these are fictional things and they somehow influence our social and cultural constructs which, in turn, dictate our identity and result in conflicts.
Q. How did you translate this concept into a performance piece?
A. As a concept, it’s not new. People are aware of these themes. So, I decided to remould the idea with the help of personal stories — something like a tool in devising, where you start with yourself as a reference point. The format of Notion(s): In Between You and Me is non-linear and episodic. The personal accounts reflect moments of introspection and contemplation in my own life, but explored in a broader context. Then, it’s no longer your personal story. It becomes layered, entwining many other things.
Speaking of the first episode, it’s about how my name — Savita Rani — evolved. Over the years, many people have been curious about my name and its connotation. There’s another story that revolves around vendors selling mythological books on trains, who not only sell these books but also engage in conversations with passengers about their own beliefs that may or may not necessarily be based on truth. Some of the other episodes are built on themes such as patriarchy and domestic violence. In total, there are six stories that try to indicate that our personal relationships/stories are not very different from that between a citizen and the nation. The power dynamics are pretty much the same.
Q. How would you describe the form and structure of Notion(s): In Between You and Me?
A. It’s not interactive as such, but there is no fourth wall in it either. There’s the acknowledgement of the audience’s presence. So, in a way, you can say that the form is a mix of spoken word, storytelling and some physicality. The performance blends different genres, but there is a common underlying theme. To me, more than the form, it’s what I am trying to express, share, communicate or engage with is what matters.
Q. Is it difficult to lead a devised solo performance, especially when the format is episodic?
A. It’s not easy, of course. But, in a lot of ways, I found the process of writing and devising this piece therapeutic. It gives me a sense of balance, as I’m engaging with something that I’m curious about and making an effort to comprehend. The only difficulty in it is that sometimes you feel blocked, because it’s also a very lonely process. But then, I think I’m lucky to have friends around me, with whom I can share and discuss my writings and ideas. And after a point, the performance starts evolving by itself.
Watch Notion(s): In Between You and Me at Ranga Shankara on March 21 (7.30 pm). You can book your tickets here.
