Amidst all celebrations marking Tagore’s 150th anniversary, Mallika Sarabhai brings an unorthodox portrait of Tagore in the play With Love, highlighting the bard’s relationship with Victoria Ocampo. In this interview, Sarabhai talks on Tagore, Modi’s Gujarat and where Anna Hazare failed.
You’ve packed in so much in ‘With love’… Tagore’s ideas on universality, caste system, education, his relationships. Each could merit separate performances. So take us through the process of creating this play?
For me the fascinating thing is always to break the boundaries. Tagore has always been several things to several people but never all of it. If you talk to musicians, they only talk of Rabindra Sangeet. I have never met a musician, who talks about how a painting was inspired by a particular tune. These are the cross connections that makes a creative person. For me also, what was interesting was the person. In India, we have this habit of white-washing our heroes. You mustn’t talk about their weaknesses. To me, these weaknesses are important. Because they have these weaknesses like all of us do and still they use them to create the wonders that they do, is interesting. I have always wondered, behind all of this, underneath all of this, who was he? And that’s what the search was. And the obvious search became through the women he loved. And then I discovered Ocampo. That was the most enduring of his loves. It lasted from the age of 63 till he died. So… 1923 till 1948. It was a very different kind of love. It was a very deep love but neither of them wanted to live together. Neither of them thought it was possible to live together. Neither of them wanted to get married. Yet it was a love that was so deep that it permeated and set a whole new range of creativity. He started painting then and in those last 20 years of his life, he created 2000 paintings. So what was it? What were the hidden things? Then I started reading him, I found about the piece he had written in his diary, about loneliness. And about suddenly feeling, he couldn’t create… And yet these are not the aspects that come up. I wanted to mix time and mix concerns and I wanted to get to know the person.
So when did you conceive this, before or after the 150th year celebrations?
When the 150th year thing was announced, I knew I wanted to dedicate our year to Tagore. And I knew I wanted to do something very different. So we have actually done three productions. Tagorenama has three productions. One is just based on his wife’s letter called Street of Voices. Because we think there is a wife like that behind every door today who isn’t able to say what this wife said. We have interspersed real life stories with what the wife is writing. It’s again a very different interpretation. And there are interviews with real women, there are voices of real women in five different languages going through the story of Bindu. Ok, so that’s that.
And then I said if Tagore was alive today what he would be listening to on his Ipod? Who would he have collaborated with? Maybe the Manganiyars. Maybe some rock bands. So I took two very very different musicians and I said that I want to create a contemporary dance piece. I want to select Tagore songs related to the seasons and I want you to re-interpret them. They still have to be recognisably Tagore. But you can change the rhythm. You can change the interpretation. You can change the feel of it. You do what you want to. So that became a contemporary dance piece, Ritu Chakra. Which is also again very whacky, very different. But people love it. So three comprise it. But the whole academy was only reading about Tagore that year. Everyone was banned from reading anything else that year. Every Saturday we would meet, including accountants, administrators. And everybody would share what they read. There was a huge chart. And we wrote, so and an so wrote this on him… then I started culling materials. The next step was you take one of these things and you improvise. Improvisational theatre, music…Everybody immersing themselves in it….they would run upto me and tell…‘Didi didi, look what we found. Can you imagine this was written by Gurudev.’ It was a wonderful thing for the whole academy.
Presenting Tagore in such an unorthodox way… do you not run the risk of facing the ire of puritans? On a different note, political art is endangered. Few days back Tamasha, a play depicting Tagore’s engagement with Gandhi, was banned in Bhopal…
I have done it since 1990. I have been at peril not only because of Gujarat but pre-Gujarat, with the VHP. I have had RSS and VHP storm the stage. I have had them try to ban my performances. But hey, that’s a part of it. I’m a political artist. For me everything is politics. The fact that I’m talking to you just now is politics. The way I eat is politics. The car I use is politics.
So how does Darpana survive despite the anti-state stands that you take?
Very difficult. Darpana is in great difficulty financially. We have never been dependant on the government. We have been dependant on my performances, what I earn, the projects we do and corporate sponsorships. Since, 2002, Mr. Narendra Modi has seen we get no corporate sponsorships whatsoever. This year, especially with the slowdown in the world markets, things are becoming very difficult but we will tighten our belt.
In one part of her open letter to Arnab Goswami, Madhu Kishwar writes that though what Modi did in Gujarat in 2002 was deplorable; she has no qualms admitting Modi’s performance in developing the state. So there is this whole development discourse…
There is no discourse. There is brain washing and if Madhu Kishwar, who is a friend of mine, would come to Gujarat, I would show her. And if that is what she means by development, then all I can do is Jai Ho. Lots of people think rich getting richer is development. Then finally there’ll be a trickle down effect and by that time, that is if the poor is still alive, it will be trickled. But that is not my idea of development. If globalisation is your idea of development, which is Montek Singh Ahluwalia’s and Manmohan Singh’s… Industry, industry,industry. To hell with the poor. My idea of development is it has to go from the bottom up. It’s not a one way process. Of course it has to come down. But you can’t have an industrialisation which is top down, so by the time the bottom starts rising, it is devastated. There is no land, there is no clean water, and there is no clean air. There is nothing to eat. People are unhealthy. People have no education. No hospitals. You’ve left a completely devastated land. Yes, if that is Madhu Kishwar’s idea of development, Modi is doing a fantastic job. Incidentally, I don’t know if you’ve heard it but, Nano and the Gujarat government are at loggerheads. Because Nano is claiming the Gujarat government isn’t giving them as much as they promised and Gujarat claims that Nano isn’t doing as much as promised. So 30,000 crores which was given to them as a deal at the cost of taxpayer’s money, it was apparently not enough.
With the Gujarat elections round the corner, it seems like Modi is set to come back…
Who told you that?
At least that’s the narrative on ground…
Narrative on the surface is spun by the PR people. And the PR people he employs are some of the best PR people in the world.
Do you have plans jumping into the electoral fray again?
I don’t want to jump into the electoral for the simple reason that I don’t believe that being independent counts these days. And I don’t think either of the parties is worth joining. Gujarat has a bipartisan system but I’ll completely throw my weight behind anybody who wants Modi and BJP’s ouster. I will be campaigning and help create performances and awareness. My volunteers are telling voters that they must look at the person they are voting for and not the party. And you know, it’s very funny that the PR machinery is so powerful that people forget when in the last assembly elections when Modi won, there was a swing of 40 seats and in all 40 seats he won by a margin of less than 1000 votes. Had the Congress been slightly more efficient, they would have won. Some of the seats he just won by 300 votes.
There is a so called secular government at the Centre…
There is no called secular government. There is no government in centre. There is no government in most states. There are a bunch of self serving, greedy, manipulative people on the guard.
My question was, even with Congress at the Centre, the prosecution rate in Gujarat is so low (with some exceptions)…will the victims ever get justice?
You know I’m not somebody who can predict the future. I’m somebody who can go on trying. If all of us go on trying to make the world a better place, more just place, more equitable space where dictators have no space, where chors who loot the country have no space. Then at least we can be happy in the fact that we are trying to achieve something that is worth achieving.
You were one of the early supporters of Anna Hazare. What’s your take on the way the movement petered out?
Too many rogues. It became too big. I think in many ways… It was a pity because at core it was a wonderful movement at the beginning. Then it started to get hijacked by different people for different agendas. The core issue went away. For me, the parting moment was when in the Hisar elections, they decided to target one of three candidates, the Congress one, but all three were dishonest. They could have told the people not to vote for any of them and throw in a blank ballot paper. But why did they go after one party when BJP is as corrupt… Mayawati is as corrupt? All are corrupt.
nomini casino app
Die Mission des Conti Casinos ist es, ein unvergleichliches
Spielerlebnis zu bieten, das eine vielfältige Gruppe von Spielern weltweit mit seinem umfangreichen Angebot an Spielen und Aktionen anspricht.
Mit Tausenden von Spielen zur Auswahl, darunter Spielautomaten, Tischspiele und Live-Casino-Action,
wird Ihnen nie die Aufregung ausgehen. Unsere vertrauenswürdigen Plattformen gewährleisten schnelle Bearbeitungszeiten, damit
Sie Ihr Spielerlebnis genießen können, ohne sich um die Details sorgen zu
müssen. Tätigen Sie schnelle und sichere Transaktionen mit beliebten Optionen wie Kredit-/Debitkarten, E-Wallets
wie Skrill oder Neteller oder sogar Kryptowährungen wie Bitcoin.
Das angebotene Bonusgeld wird dem Bonuskonto gutgeschrieben, und um es abzuheben, muss der Spieler es durch Einsätze an Slots mit
echtem Geld drehen. Einige der großzügigsten Bonusangebote von Conticazino sind der Willkommensbonus für die ersten drei Einzahlungen, der Bonus
für das Spielen im Live-Casino und der Geburtstagsbonus ohne Einzahlung.
Conticazino weiß seine Spieler zu schätzen und bietet sowohl für
neue als auch für treue Spieler zahlreiche Boni und Belohnungen an, die das Spielerlebnis noch
spannender und lohnender machen.
References:
https://online-spielhallen.de/cashwin-casino-erfahrungen-meine-detaillierte-bewertung/
Australia online casino guide
It can be used to emphasize the essential nature of something or someone.
So, don’t be afraid to explore the thesaurus –
your writing will thank you for it! Synonyms are powerful tools that can add richness
and precision to your writing. High-priority
Words that can be used instead of ‘key’ and ‘important’ include significant,
critical, essential, vital, fundamental, and pivotal.
Some of these words are absolute synonyms, meaning they have the exact same meaning as “important.” Other words are
near synonyms, meaning they are similar in meaning
but not identical. The word “important” suggests a degree of significance, whereas “crucial” implies something that is absolutely necessary or critical.
Understanding the nuances of these synonyms can help writers and speakers
convey significance and relevance with precision and impact.
In this article, we will explore a variety of synonyms for the word “important” and how they can be used to enhance communication and expression.
He blends his teaching experience with digital tools to
make learning accessible to a global audience. Important is a useful
word, but it is broad. When you match the synonym to the reason, your English sounds clearer.
Use serious when you want to show gravity or risk,
and important when you want to show value or priority.
References:
https://blackcoin.co/healthdirect-free-australian-health-advice-you-can-count-on-gambling-addiction-support/
gaming experience
Winspirit mobile app offers a comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience.
Always confirm local rules and ensure you are of legal gambling
age in Australia before using WinSpirit or any winspirit online casino.
Below are practical rules to follow while playing at
WinSpirit or any winspirit online casino.
Live shows and entertainment options are a staple in the casinos across Johannesburg.
Picture yourself toasting to the evening’s winnings, celebrating the night away under the glimmering
chandeliers. These casinos understand that you might need a bit of a breather from all the exhilaration and have you covered.
WinSpirit Casino delivers a comprehensive mobile gaming experience through
browser-based optimization and dedicated application options.
The payment infrastructure supports multiple currencies with automatic conversion to AUD for Australian players.
WinSpirit Casino supports diverse payment methods catering to Australian players’
preferences and requirements. These codes provide access to time-limited special offers
including deposit bonuses, free spins packages, and cashback promotions.
The promotional program begins with welcome bonuses for new players and continues with
ongoing offers for loyal players. This risk-free approach facilitates informed gaming
decisions based on personal preference and gameplay style.
main.shuwb.com
paypal casino canada
References:
main.shuwb.com
rtmsjobs.com
paypal casinos
References:
https://rtmsjobs.com/employer/paypal-casinos-best-online-casinos-that-accept-paypal-deposits/
fdertolmrtokev
I carry on listening to the news update talk about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i acquire some?
slot 5k
Magnificent website. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks on your sweat!
mantap 555
Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!
contencioso tributario
you could have a fantastic weblog right here! would you like to make some invite posts on my weblog?
gelatin trick recipe
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You are incredible! Thanks!
rajabandot
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you really know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my site =). We could have a link exchange contract between us!
gelatin trick recipe
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
gelatin trick
I keep listening to the reports lecture about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i find some?
ice gelatin trick
I enjoy what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and coverage! Keep up the great works guys I’ve included you guys to my blogroll.
iblbet daftar
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
slot gacor
You made some decent points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found most guys will approve with your site.
meja siswa
My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on numerous websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform. I have heard good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content into it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
gelatin trick
I got what you mean ,bookmarked, very decent website .
orange peel trick
I have not checked in here for a while because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend :)
gelatin trick recipe
Really clear internet site, appreciate it for this post.
Caça vazamento com geofone
You got a very wonderful website, Sword lily I noticed it through yahoo.
iblbet
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Telematics plus smart-home discounts
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any ways to help reduce content from being stolen? I’d truly appreciate it.
seltoto
I admire your work, thanks for all the useful blog posts.
situs slot777
I really enjoy examining on this internet site, it holds superb blog posts. “The living is a species of the dead and not a very attractive one.” by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche.
gelatin trick
Enjoyed looking at this, very good stuff, thanks. “All of our dreams can come true — if we have the courage to pursue them.” by Walt Disney.
empresa inca
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
ayuda TFM arquitectura
I’ve been browsing online greater than three hours these days, but I by no means found any fascinating article like yours. It is lovely value enough for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made just right content as you probably did, the net can be much more helpful than ever before.
ayuda PFG arquitectura
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for : D likewise bookmarked.
pool abdeckplanen komplettset
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your website by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident didn’t happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
banco multifuncional
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back in the future. Cheers
boostaro
I believe this website contains some very excellent info for everyone :D. “This is an age in which one cannot find common sense without a search warrant.” by George Will.
pink gelatin trick
I want to show some thanks to you for bailing me out of this setting. Because of looking out throughout the world wide web and seeing things which are not pleasant, I was thinking my entire life was over. Being alive minus the strategies to the issues you have fixed by means of this blog post is a serious case, as well as ones which could have negatively affected my career if I hadn’t come across your website. Your primary natural talent and kindness in handling a lot of stuff was crucial. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t discovered such a thing like this. I am able to at this moment look forward to my future. Thanks for your time very much for the reliable and sensible help. I won’t be reluctant to suggest your web page to anyone who needs to have counselling about this problem.
omaslot
I regard something truly special in this website .
tonic greens
Someone essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular publish amazing. Wonderful job!
soulmate sketch review
I love it when people come together and share opinions, great blog, keep it up.
diamond painting laden
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks
orange peel trick
I very glad to find this website on bing, just what I was searching for : D as well saved to bookmarks.
streamate xxx
Thank you, I’ve just been searching for info approximately this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered till now. However, what concerning the bottom line? Are you positive about the source?
streamate evelynnn18
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
agen slot
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!
apostille translation services
I got good info from your blog
bandar slot gacor
You got a very good website, Sword lily I detected it through yahoo.
iptv para android tv
Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea
audifort
I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this info for my mission.
arialief
I like the valuable info you provide for your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again right here regularly. I’m fairly sure I’ll be told plenty of new stuff proper right here! Good luck for the next!
eva bloom psychic reviews
I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for putting up.
prodentim
This actually answered my downside, thanks!
dubai wealth secret reviews
Hi , I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbled upon it on Yahoo , i will come back once again. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and help other people.
exotic car rental malaysia
Absolutely indited content material, appreciate it for information. “Life is God’s novel. Let him write it.” by Isaac Bashevis Singer.