Unravel
December 2018
Performer and Production Manager
An interactive play by Kaivalya Plays that explores the therapeutic connects of improv theatre on mental health.
Unravel is an interactive theatre production bringing experiences with mental health and wellness to the fore. The ensemble uses spontaneous improv, theatre exercises and audience suggestions to devise the final performance on the spot. Unravel is an interactive theatre production bringing experiences with mental health and wellness to the fore. The ensemble uses spontaneous improv, theatre exercises and audience suggestions to devise the final performance on the spot. What follows is a candid and light hearted sharing from the room at large, that offers an approachable perspective on emotional challenges that are often intimidating or stigmatized.
The show was originally produced for the Refunction theatre grant by the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan in December 2018. Since then, all of its runs have been house-full and it's been featured in The Hindu, Indian Express, India Today, The Wire, Platform Magazine, Health Collective and Delhi Theatre Guide.
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As a production manager and performer in the same play, I was closely involved with the project from the get-go. As production manager, I oversaw creative and operational requirements, coordinating rehearsal and performance schedules, preparing communications for distribution and finally, engaging audiences, performers, collaborations and institutions involved in the project. As a performer, I trained in short-form spontaneous improvisation based on the teachings of Viola Spolin and experienced the therapeutic effects of improv first-hand. The play was devised by the ensemble and is largely improvised on the spot based on suggestions from the audience. However, these improv scenes are interspersed with stories of our own mental health. Looking back, this play made me realize the importance of acknowledging and articulating about mental health, even if it's just my own experience.
Cast & Crew
Presented by Kaivalya Plays
Directed by Varoon P. Anand
Devised by Ensemble Performed by Chiraag Soni, Dravya Chawla, Gaurav Singh, Khushbu Sangar, Manasi Chopra, Piyush Kumar, Vidur Sehgal, Varoon P. Anand
Set Designed by Amrit Goyal
Production Managed by Gaurav Singh
Publicity & Outreach managed by Gaurav Singh
Documentation by Sanjana Chopra
Consulting Dramatherapist: Anshuma Kshetrapal (Color of Grey Cells)
Production Overview
Premiere: 21st to 23rd December 2018 at Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi
Festivals: Old World Theatre Festivals 2019
Total Performances: 12
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