Just hearing the words evokes memories of childhood…
A sprawling tree in one corner of my school's playground. A shady spot of respite to cool off from the intense heat. To sit under and talk to friends. To rest against its strong trunk and regain my strength. It always tempted me to grab hold of its shoots and swing around like a monkey. And something about the way its broad leaves fanned out over my head was extremely reassuring.
That Banyan Tree in that playground, way back when, was a symbol of strength and stability. Of generosity and benevolence. Of patience and wisdom.
Over the past few weeks, I've experienced 'The Banyan Tree' of a slightly different kind.
How interesting that it evokes much of the same feelings!
I first experienced it during the staged readings at the ACT Theater in 2012 and when it went into a full theatrical production this year, I found myself lending a hand to the team with their props and costumes. From my early visits to the rehearsals to the opening last night, it's remarkable to observe how this Banyan Tree has grown so beautifully.
How Tulika's script itself had such strong roots - providing stories that ran the entire gamut of emotions, provoking thoughts about our roles and choices in a personal and societal context...
How Agastya, as the director, offered continuous strength and support to each participant, guiding and tweaking, helping each member to be ever present and really get under the skin of the character they were portraying...
How each actor absorbed the rich nutrients offered during this creative journey, developing their own unique qualities to extend the reach of the Tree and strengthen the whole…
How the camaraderie and playfulness during practice translated into some delightful moments for the audience and flowed with a natural ease…
This production of 'The Banyan Tree' is a terrific example of how theater as an art form gloriously shines a light on our own human idiosyncrasies. How showing a mirror to our inevitable daily struggles through the lens of humor makes them a little more palatable. How portraying seemingly difficult conversations helps us to deepen our own roots and draw the strength we need. To grow into the best possible versions of ourselves.
- 7 September, 2013
