Theatre Practitioners Embrace Multiplicity of Perspective at KMB 2016

KOCHI:
The interdisciplinary character of the ongoing third edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) allows for a rethink of conventions that hold spaces and aspects to be unique to forms and styles, according to eminent theatre personality Anuradha Kapur.
A visitor since 2012, the former Director of the National School of Drama in New Delhi has seen a “widening of perspective and discourse” at KMB 2016. “The Biennale and the conversations it begins produce a new kind of spectator. In the theatre, people come with fixed horizons and fixed expectations of narrative. The experience here changes so radically,” Kapur said.
Noting that the close proximity between the works offers the opportunity for dialogue, she said, “For what is supposedly a space to house visual art, the inclusion of dance, music and theatre embodies something special. It alters the spaces and in so doing, the experience.”
This is particularly true, Kapur said, of KMB 2016 participating artist Anamika Haksar’s theatre production ‘Composition on Water’, the site for which shares a room at Aspinwall House with artist P.K. Sadanandan’s elaborate wall mural.
“To be housed in a space where there is a constant dialogue creates a sort of cross-pollination, which also affects both the people who inhabit the spaces as actors and the audience. This also allows for newer connections to be made for the works’ respective progressions,” she said.
“The artist becomes spectator and the actor becomes something else entirely. Meanwhile, the spectator is within an experiential space where there’s something happening in front and somet
hing else happening in the back,” Kapur added, putting the “extraordinary itinerary of experiences” down to the curatorial vision of Sudarshan Shetty.
Noted filmmaker and cultural activist Madhushree Dutta observed that Shetty’s style of “subtle spatial curation” had allowed connections to form between styles and genres.
“Beyond the Biennale, there is debate at the national level about how different forms like dance and theatre would clash and not gel with the rest of the artworks. Whether people are incensed or enthused, it’s great that Sudarshan provoked these discussions,” Dutta said.
“Ultimately, that is the Biennale’s role. It should initiate debate about forms and practices, whether they can cohabit and collaborate or if they will come into conflict. The KMB’s artist-driven nature and unbounded curatorial energy is its strength. To maintain that commitment over three editions is tremendous,” she said.
Well-known theatre director and playwright Roysten Abel also expressed his appreciation for the ambitious vision and scale of the Biennale during his visit on Saturday.