A journey held boundless of words
My memory winds back to the distinct call about an audition by Helena Waldmann, a renowned director from Germany, who I had previously met while she was here to research. This new piece was going to explore the garment's industries of Bangladesh, and focus on the elements of the dance form Kathak, which would build the theatrical dance piece. This piece, scheduled to tour to Europe in 2014 held only a few casting spots available.
Back in December 2013, I merged into the audition room alongside 30 or more, and learnt how a typical Shilpakala Academy rehearsal room turned into one with cameras aiming from all angles, and bright lights shining on your face. The whole audition process of building and touring the piece was to be documented and put together in a film. Vikram Iyenger, co-choreographer to the piece and a Kathak dancer from Kolkata, had conducted part of the audition process alongside Helena. After five long days of auditioning, 12 of us dancers were chosen to dance the piece of “Made in Bangladesh”- Munmun Ahmed, Md. Hanif, myself, Nuzaba Tahreen, Shareen Ferdous, Shammy Akhter, Labonno Sultana, Shoma Sharmin, Bishwazit Sarker, Irin Urmi and Trina Mehnaz.
The aim was to deconstruct Kathak to the point where the staccato movements and footwork was a tool of communication for the turbulent reality of the garment sweatshops, and their crumbling down in front of our eyes. We spoke to garment workers to bring authenticity. The striking yet abstract resemblance of various industries, including the dance industry -- and working with these situations in a piece took a courageous person to voice -- Helena Waldmann.
We rehearsed on and off during the entire last year till our tour began in November. We were scheduled to do 11 performances in nine cities. “Made in Bangladesh” premiered at Ludwigshafen, Germany on November 26 to great response. Then we travelled, one by one, to Dusseldorf, Karlsruhe, Luxembourg, Lörrach, Baden, Darmstadt and Nurnberg, ending in Jena. The audiences at the cities were different from one another in their response and questions, but the reactions spoke highly of our efforts.
Each one of us had an unforgettable trip. For most of us, it was the first experience of a long 47 days in Europe, away from home and on our feet strenuously. We all explored sides of ourselves as performers that made a huge impact on us. “Made in Bangladesh” and the experience through it have given me a new voice in being a performer.
Co-choreographed by Vikram Iyenger and produced by Ecotopia Dance Productions in collaboration with Shadhona Cultural Circle, the production was funded by the German Federal Cultural Foundation and other organisations, including Goethe-Institut Dhaka.
“Made in Bangladesh” toured India this month, and is set to premiere in Dhaka on January 26, at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
The writer is a promising young dancer.
Comments