Bangalore Creative Circus, a venue that usually buzzes with artistic fervor, became a haven for green initiatives and environmental commitment as it hosted a unique performance by Sushma Soma, the acclaimed Singapore Carnatic vocalist. On January 20, the space was lovingly transformed into an eco-conscious realm, where recycled and upcycled artwork adorned the walls and ceilings. Soma’s show, entitled Home SOS: Sounds of Sustainability, added a potent layer of urgency to the plea for environmental preservation.
As Soma graced the stage, the audience was met with her rendition of ‘The Elephant’s Funeral’, a heart-wrenching song inspired by the tragic death of a pregnant elephant in 2020 that was killed by a pineapple laden with explosives—a cruel method employed by some to ward off wild animals from farmland. Straying from the expected Carnatic vocalist’s register, Soma infused the performance with raw, emotive vocals that deeply moved the diverse group of spectators, making the event more than just a concert—it became a collective experience.
Soma was joined by an impressive lineup of musicians: Adyar D Balasubramani on the nadaswaram; N. Deepan on the parai, M Rajendran on the thamuru, M Vijay on the satti comprising the Tamil folk-drum ensemble; and Sumesh Narayanan, a master percussionist. This marked the first time that Soma showcased Home SOS on Indian soil.
The artistes embarked on a journey with the audience, delivering performances that veered towards the cathartic, and were embellished with evocative choreography. There was an interactive segment that included a quick audience poll on waste segregation and an infectious singalong that introduced an array of moods within the Bangalore Creative Circus. The performance not only provided entertainment but also opened a dialogue on the lived experiences of the fishing community in North Chennai, with artist N Deepan taking center stage to share anecdotes of how industrial waste has affected their livelihoods.
Some of the narratives and songs were presented in their rawest form—an aspect of the show Sushma Soma attributes to Mythili Prakash, the director, choreographer, and dramaturg of Home SOS. Soma appreciates Prakash’s ability to construct moments that naturally evoke the intended emotions. The structure provided an opening to delve into personal reactions to incidents like the heart-breaking news of the Kerala elephant. She shares how Prakash’s methodologies allowed her to channel emotions that aren’t immediately palpable but build up and reach a climax, parallel to the ill-fated elephant’s story.
The concert wrapped up with an engaging scavenger hunt, organized by Skrap, one of the event’s partners. Soma expressed her hope that if even a meager percentage of the 150 attendees were impacted enough to make more earth-friendly life choices, it would represent a significant victory.
The production’s producer, Aishwarya Natarajan, founder of Indianuance, praised the raw and accessible energy of the show and admired the dramatic moment where Deepan took over the narrative. The pivot highlighted the environmental injustices experienced by his community.
Executing Home SOS was an all-women endeavor featuring brand strategist Amrita Haldipur and live events specialist Nanni Singh, among others. Planning to tour the production to more cities across India, they aim to foster a community of people who are mindful of sustainability.
Natarajan, speaking about the profound influence of music, believes in its universal language and its capacity to inspire people to embrace environmentally conscious decisions. Indeed, Home SOS by Sushma Soma is more than just a performance. It is a clarion call for action and a manifestation of the synergy between art and activism, aiming to orchestrate a more sustainable world one note at a time.
