With the emergence of communication technology and social media, many are leading lives far detached from reality. The blurring line between the real and the delusional world is encapsulated in a mime performance organised by the Abhinaya Theatre Research Centre on the premises of Tagore Theatre on Thursday evening.
Titled ‘Phone,’ the solo mime performance by Jojo Joy was based on the protagonist’s telephonic conversation with his love interest and how it gives way to an obsession with the phone. He gradually distances himself from the person on the other end of the line. Slowly, the ringtone begins to dictate his life, he drifts away into a virtual world and eventually, his destruction.
“The theme speaks of many lives we see around us these days. The lack of interpersonal relationships has given way to a society that is no longer rooted in reality,” says D. Reghoothaman, founder of the Abhinaya theatre group and the director of the performance. Jayaprakash Kuloor scripted the show that was organised as an ‘ambience performance’ in connection with the ongoing Theatre Olympics in the city under the aegis of the National School of Drama.
According to Mr. Reghoothaman, solo shows hinge on the talent of the actor, who must be capable of holding the viewer’s attention for a long time.
Body language
In the absence of dialogues, the performer must be able to maintain intensity through body language and facial expression.
He added that he was all for providing his actors the freedom to improvise. “The possibility of theatre lies in spontaneity that could possibly bring a new dimension to the play. Actors cannot be reduced to puppets, who perform to the wish of the director,” Mr. Reghoothaman said.
