On Zoom. Chat was so rowdy I wrote about it for Catapult.
I directed “Ravayana” - a queer, feminist, modern reinterpretation of the Hindu epic of Ram and Sita. A new work written by Dhinesha Karthigesu it is a series of comedic, sacred, and profane vignettes in English, Malay, and Tamil. After the staged reading of “Ravayana,” Dhinesha and I facilitated a generative discussion about the play, focusing on how harmonize our art with an anti-caste, intersectional politic. This production was part of Fresh Lime Soda’s “Theater as Resistance” series.
We streamed on HowlRound, and over 120 people were in the Zoom (not including those watching on the livestream!!!!) A hidden delight in this performance was the use of the chat - I cannot believe the speed, intensity, and thought which spectators put in their comments. The chat was a performance in and of itself! Artistry aside, it has been a delight to direct over zoom, with an exceedingly fun, talented, jubilant, and all-South Asian cast. Playing with sound, transposing and interpolating scenes to exist on Zoom, and coordinating 12 hour time differences was a challenging but rewarding marvel!
