Vivek Vijaykumaran and Pangambam Tyson Meetli | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Our theater collectively present You are the only oneA 75 -minute piece of physical theater that removes the language for identity, climate change and universally resonant exploration of human connections.

The drama, co-produced by Theater Practors Vivek Vijaykumaran and Pangambam Tyson Miti, premieres with Nurdigant’s support through Prekash Raj Foundation in Ranga Shankara on 31 January and 1 February.

The drama origin is reflected of deep personal and contemporary concerns. For conscience, the work emerged from the need to artisticly respond to religious intolerance seen around you. “When I was in Delhi in 2022, a Muslim neighborhood was demolished. Sitting in a gurudwara, I started looking at images – a bare human body embodory various religious signators before returning to its original humanity, ”he remembers. This vision planted the seed which will eventually become You are the only one,

This drama is a decision created by the desire to cross the language, cultural and linguistic boundaries spoken in favor of physical expression. “The moment you use the language, you find yourself in a specific cultural identity. We wanted to avoid this, “Vivek says. Creating a compelling non-realization, however, was not an easy achievement. A veteran Tyson from Kalakshatra Manipur brought his expertise to the table in the movement and rhythm. “The challenge was to develop a non-verbal language, where viewers would not question the absence of speech-it was natural to feel,” they explain.

‘This is you’ Stills | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

However, his cooperation was not without its logical obstacles. The two often worked in geographical division, communicating through calls and emails before coming together in Bangalore or Manipur for intensive workshops. These sessions were as much about exploration as they were about perseverance. “Every meeting made progress, but it was slow and deliberate,” says Vivek. The team increased systematically, with actors from Bangalore, Kerala, and Hyderabad, with the involvement in the project in various stages.

Religious identity and climate change subjects are differential You are the only oneBut Vivek insisted that the basic human is human. “What happens when two opposing forces – a system and the other in search of freedom – face each other in the presence of a force, as powerful as nature? It is a dramatic core of the piece. ,

He credits a workshop by theater artist Prabha Bhaskaran, so that he can help him crystalline. “A tribal song shared during the workshop unlocked the drama for me. It tied the complications together that I was struggling. ,

The production process is marked by uncertainty and moments of success. Preliminary functioning performance attracted mixed reactions, some audiences transferred deeply and others were angered. Nevertheless, encouragement from colleagues, including peace-making expert Rukmini Iyer, continued the team. “He told us that work had the importance and value, and we should not stop it,” Vivek says.

‘This is you’ Stills | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The journey of the play also shows the realities of creating practical theater in India-the most money, logistic challenges and a collective model. “We have cooked food together in the studio, shared living places in the studio, and have made ourselves a funded journey,” says Vivek. Despite these challenges, the project has been provoked by the commitment of its artists and support of organizations such as Nurdigant.

For the premiere in Ranga Shankara, the audience can expect a sensory experience woven with movement, music and clothes, says Vivek. Tyson says, “The team had to create a delicate balance. We are trying to express through our muscles and distance we feel and think. It is about making abstract tangible. ,

You are the only one Not only represents a bold artistic experiment, but also promises to pay attention to our time. “This is a universal human story – timeless and relevant in contexts,” Vivek says.

In Ranga Shankara on 31 January and 1 February. For more information about the play, go to outhheatrecollective.in/itisyou. Tickets at ₹ 399 on Bookmyshow.