The Ennui Collective is poised to mesmerize audiences with their staging of the play Earthquake, featuring performances by Yamuna Kali and Naman Roy. This production offers a profound exploration of themes such as human connection, loneliness, and the poignant, unspoken words that often linger in our interactions. Samragni Dasgupta, who co-wrote the play with Marvin Krause, describes Earthquake as a unique exploration into the nuances of interpersonal relationships.
Samragni Dasgupta, a prominent theatre practitioner based in Bengaluru, explains that Earthquake is an adaptation of Bhūmikampa – Das Erdbeben, a play she crafted with Marvin. Both titles translate to ‘earthquake’ in Bengali and German, respectively. Initially, the two playwrights worked independently, but a grant from Munich’s International Cultural Projects Department of Arts and Culture ultimately enabled them to collaborate extensively.
Earthquake first premiered in Munich’s Partha S theatre in December 2023. Directed by Samragni, the play was initially penned in English, German, and Bengali. When performed in Bengaluru, it was further adapted into English, Malayalam, and Kannada/Hindi. Looking ahead, future performances in the city will be staged in English, Hindi, and Kannada. This linguistic diversity reflects the play’s commitment to resonating with different cultural contexts while remaining anchored in universal themes of human relationships.
Samragni elucidates that each performance of Earthquake is tailored to the actors involved, adapting the script to their mother tongue. This adaptation ensures the play remains culturally relevant and allows the actors to portray their characters in a manner authentic to their experiences and emotions. With each iteration, the characters’ dynamics evolve, providing a fresh perspective while staying true to the play’s essence.
Samragni’s theatre journey began at the tender age of six under the mentorship of Kirtana Kumar, a renowned actor, director, and filmmaker based in Bengaluru. Her professional theatre career now spans five years, during which she has focused on creating innovative narratives that challenge traditional storytelling.
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The collaboration between Samragni and Marvin began under serendipitous circumstances on a farm in Bengaluru, facilitated by an intercultural project named Border Busters. They engaged in deep conversations about racial identity, exploring the nuances of what it means to be brown or white in contemporary society. These discussions led them to delve into topics such as intersectionality and vulnerability, ultimately inspiring them to pen a play that confronts these themes head-on.
Central to Earthquake is its examination of the delicate balance between human connection and isolation. The play invites the audience to engage with these contrasting states through a unique theatrical experience. Set on a black box stage at Shoonya, the audience surrounds the performers on all sides, blurring the boundary between observer and participant. This immersive setup invites viewers into an intimate, raw conversation about vulnerability and togetherness, challenging preconceived notions of human connection.
Samragni, who established the Ennui Collective in June, views it as a platform to promote artistic endeavors across disciplines. Her partnership with Marvin has been instrumental in bringing Earthquake to life, transforming their shared examination of cultural differences into a powerful narrative that explores universal themes of loneliness and connection.
Marvin, a freelance theatre artist from Munich, is currently pursuing studies in documentary filmmaking. Meanwhile, Samragni, 26 years old, works with a consulting firm where she uses theatre-based approaches to engage corporate audiences and develops plays tailored for them.
Anticipation is building in Bengaluru as Earthquake prepares to take the stage. Set to be performed on multiple dates, including October 27 at Shoonya Centre for Arts and Somatic Practices, and subsequent performances in November at venues like Medai, Koramangala, and Ranga Shankara, audiences can expect an engaging theatrical experience. Tickets are now available through BookMyShow, offering an opportunity for theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike to witness this riveting exploration of the human condition. The play promises to be a remarkable depiction of the intricate dance between connection and solitude, leaving a lasting impact on all who attend.
