[Reader-list] "If It Be Now - Fragments and Impressions of Hamlet", a solo performance by Arka Mukhopadhyay @Paradigm Shift, tomorrow: 19:00

[Kabir Khan]

The Arshinagar Project, Kolkata and Paradigm Shift present "If It Be Now -
Fragments and Impressions of Hamlet", a solo performance devised and
performed by Arka Mukhopadhyay

This performance celebrates the body in its loneliness - the solitary being
facing an unresponsive universe, searching for wholeness, searching for
home.

The piece is based on works by Boris Pasternak, Heiner Muller, Jan Kott and
others, as well as original writing and Shakespeare's play. Combining
elements of structured action and improvisation, it looks, not for meaning
or a message, but at experience - at an utterly human Hamlet, trapped
inside a prison of words, giving birth to him in the immediacy of the now,
responding as much to the physical space and the presence of the watchers,
as to the universe of Hamlet. In effect, this is a passion play that tries
to find illumination out of darkness.

The performance has violent images and nudity, hence viewer discretion is
advised. It is open only to those above 18 years of age.

Duration: 50 min approx

Date: 14th February, 2015
Time: 7:30 PM (late entries will not be allowed, please be there by 7:15 PM)
Venue: Paradigm Shift, Koramangala, Bangalore
Entry: 200/- (prior confirmation necessary as places are limited)
Contact: 9663427315 or e-mail: thearshinagarproject at gmail.com

Some audience reactions:

"Thank you for producing and sustaining the intensity that makes the work
riveting. All the agonizing questions of our times about our self, our
identity, our loneliness and the daily jousting with self-doubt find space
within the illumined spaces of candle light"

"Perplexed, frightened & suddenly aware!"

"Simply amazing, complexity brings out something other than the usual"

"Thank you for thinking and having us think with you. Hamlet to Godot to
Endgame?"

"The power in your eyes is remarkably transforming"

"Your breath was your music"

"What struck me is fragility. Fragility of self, society and every other
thing. It's that element that hooked me".

We are also happy to team up with Dreamscope Theatre, for a unique
workshop, "Breath, Body, Space - Towards the Stillpoint".

The workshop explores the inner music of our beings - the dance of stillness

Through work on breath, we'll try to reach a place of inner quietness,
where we are relaxed but alert

Through conscious attention on the spine, we will awaken our bodies to an
active, energetic state from which we can find organic movements and actions

Through rhythm, movement, voice and text, we will create a spontaneous
poetry of the body and space, discovering deep connections within
ourselves, with others and with space

The work will draw upon Kalaripayattu, Butoh and many other modalities of
performance and spiritual practice. It will draw upon the way of the Bauls.
But most of all, it will focus on you - on your personal pathway to
freedom. It will be rigorous, but liberating

We will pay particular attention to the connection between bretah and the
emotions we play with not only on stage, but also in life

This is for you if you are a teacher, a mother, a father, a professional,
an actor, a dancer, a musician or anyone else who wishes to discover within
himself/ herself a creative, joyful human state

The workshop will culminate in a small performance to be shared with an
invited audience on the 15th at 4:30 PM

Date: February 14th and 15th

Time: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (10 to 1 and 1:30 to 4:30)

Fee: 2,400/-

Maximum number of participants: 15.

To participate in the workshop please send an email to
info at dreamscopetheatre.com or call 908410075.

Please carry loose-fitting comfortable clothing appropriate for movement.
Also carry your own drinking water and a light lunch.

A little about Arka: Arka Mukhopadhyay is a performer and the founder of
the Kolkata based physical performance collective, The Arshinagar Project.
He is a recipient of the junior fellowship of the ministry of culture, and
a past recipient of the Inlaks India Theatre Award and the TFA Award for
Creative Writing. He has performed and led workshops all across India and
abroad.

Love and Light,
Team Arshinagar