Unprepared

Unprepared is series of hour-long theatrical experiences that aim to reclaim our epics and myths to propagate peace, reconciliation and equality.

In each play under the Unprepared series, we meet mythological characters in their most true form - with all their vulnerabilities and fallibility - contemporary and timeless - heroic in their potential to be human.

The first play unfolds when its protagonists, Draupadi, the most beautiful woman and Bheem, the strongest man, look back at their lives that are chequered with war, violence, revenge, as they stand on the threshold of death.

In Unprepared II, Draupadi and Kunti, daughter-in-law and mother-in-law, talk on a fateful night, after the war that nearly annihilated humankind is over.

The plays unfold as conversations between mythological characters. Conversations that challenge the constructs of masculinity, femininity, power and identity, and probe into organized violence patronized by the institutions of patriarchy from an individual’s perspective - both as a victim and a perpetrator.

The overall style of Unprepared is free flowing and simple with all the nuances of realistic performance and grace of stylized forms.

The script draws from episodes from the epics, but unfolds as personal memories and interpretations.

The performance is designed as a multi-sensory intimate experience wherein dance, dialogue, image and theatrical performance flow from one to the other and eventually the illusion of the fourth wall dissolves to include the audience within its ambit.

The format of the performance refrains from being descriptive and remains largely evocative through the visual, verbal as well other sensory experiences – of musical notes and aroma.

Unprepared is performed with minimal infrastructure. The space is defined by basic lights and suggestive stage setting. The illusion is created by more by conviction than by technology.

The play is best presented to a small audience of 30-50 in small intimate spaces, such as offices, homes, rehearsal spaces, anywhere where there are at least 2 doorways and space for 40 odd people to sit and approximately 20’X15’ for the actors.

Unprepared is suitable for any audience above the age of 15. It is especially relevant as a reflective process for any group working on identities, gender, violence.

To ensure that people have safe spaces to deeply engage, reflect on and talk about GBV, and rediscover and reclaim the epics for peace and nonviolence, not war.

• Unprepared has reached out and engaged over 500 people in Delhi and Kolkata.
• Deep reflections and conversations around violence, patriarchy, human rights have facilitated through in the process with a range of audiences.
• Diverse people have found spaces to raise their voices against violence in the process.