URUnreserved
2018...
Getting Unreserved
An interrogation of identity in its variating textures, nuances, silences and expressions through the lens of 14 artists who travelled over 10,000 kms on long distances trains creating interactions on the same.
Getting Unreserved is a unique, non-formal sharing of the discoveries made during the course of that journey.
The showcase is culmination of a two-month arts based project that attempted to explore and create work around questions and notions of identity. The work travelled through Assam, Kashmir, Kerala and Karnataka.
We now prepare for a pan-India tour of the travelling exhibition to share the learning at a time when identities grow increasingly contested in India and the world.
We invite you wander among the sound, pictures and stories and questions that were collected through our interactions.
Date: Saturday, 7th April
Time: 4pm to 9pm
Venue: Goethe Institut, Bangalore.
Please note that the evening will be peppered with little performance-sharings, with the main sharing happening at 7pm.
Getting Unreserved is a unique, non-formal sharing of the discoveries made during the course of that journey.
The showcase is culmination of a two-month arts based project that attempted to explore and create work around questions and notions of identity. The work travelled through Assam, Kashmir, Kerala and Karnataka.
We now prepare for a pan-India tour of the travelling exhibition to share the learning at a time when identities grow increasingly contested in India and the world.
We invite you wander among the sound, pictures and stories and questions that were collected through our interactions.
Date: Saturday, 7th April
Time: 4pm to 9pm
Venue: Goethe Institut, Bangalore.
Please note that the evening will be peppered with little performance-sharings, with the main sharing happening at 7pm.
2017...
UR/Unreserved is fully in motion. After our chapter in Dhemaji, Guwahati and Kashmir, we are now in Irinjalakuda. In our 12 Platform 1s to date. We have exchanged songs, poems, conversations, identities with more than 2000 people in schools, colleges, open fields, by a bridge and on the trains. We have many more Platform 1 performance sharings to go. We want to keep this momentum going but we need your help. We need your generosity. Each Platform 1 costs around Rs 5000. Money we currently don't have. Please donate, share and adopt a Platform 1(s). Thank you.
https://www.ketto.org/fundraiser/platform1
https://www.ketto.org/fundraiser/platform1
We have had two Platform 1s today in Kashmir. One in Alpha School and one by the Zero Bridge. Our sharings have matured as we bring in our experiences from the trains - How the conversations we had affected our sense of ourselves which we wish to share. We still need your help. We have 23 days left of our fundraiser and have more than 2 Lakhs left to go. Please share, donate and adopt a Platform 1.
www.ketto.org/platform1
22 October 2017
www.ketto.org/platform1
22 October 2017
We are in Srinagar, Kashmir. Our home is Shehjar- home to 30 young and vibrant Kashmiri boys. In the midst of Hartals and civil curfews our work carries. Platform 1s and our interactions. But ours is minor in the scheme of things. The work that carries on around us is larger. The lives that carry on. The stories that carry on. The experiences that carry on. The identities that carry on.
21 October 2017
21 October 2017
While most things are in a constant state of movement or change, there is one consistent aspect to our journey. Our illustrator, Parmita, in her own corner, sketching away. A vital part of UR/Unreserved's documentation, Paro's sketches provide a visual insight into how this journey unfolds.
As part of our fundraiser we're offering you a chance to get a hand on a postcard with one of the many sketches. All you have to do is adopt a fundraiser. Log onto our fundraising website if you're interested.
www.ketto.org/platform1
16 October 2017
As part of our fundraiser we're offering you a chance to get a hand on a postcard with one of the many sketches. All you have to do is adopt a fundraiser. Log onto our fundraising website if you're interested.
www.ketto.org/platform1
16 October 2017
The station at Guwahati is behind us now. We are on our way to Jammu. The work changes once again. We now turn to the second facet of our work. Conversations, interactions, shadings and introspections.
16 October 2017
16 October 2017
Our chapter in Dhemaji is closed but the experience will stay with us for the rest of our journey. The 9 shows we performed, the 1000s of people with whom we shared our experiences as they shared theirs - Poems recited, songs learnt, traditional dances taught and food shared. Perhaps the largest impact Dhemaji had on us were the people. Pankaj Ji and the rest of the Macbeth Drama group, in Dhemaji you gave us a home and you gave us a family and for that we thank you.
12 October 2017
12 October 2017
Performance to performance. Village to village. Our platform 1s have gained momentum. As we move along our Platforms transform geographically and intuitively. We are constantly searching for ways create a more immersive space wherein content flows inwards and outwards. Songs exchanged. Experiences exchanged. Identities exchanged.
10 October 2017
10 October 2017
3 spaces of poetry, music and dance. 3 expressions of who we are and where we come from. 2 spaces created and facilitated by the UR/Unreserved team. The final space - an unexpected foray into the processes of death & grieving as experience by our hosts in Assam. We attended the 10th and final day of mourning for the passing away of a local man's wife.
8 October 2017
8 October 2017
"We need to take the next step with our Platform 1s. We need to move from them being just performance spaces to dialogues. Dialogues with the audience. Perhaps we need to stop acting, we need to stop othering our audience by shedding our own walls we build as performers. Reveal our vulnerabilities and remove the mask we put on as performers. Only then the conversations can actually begin."
Platform 1 location 3 - Bardolini - under the coconut trees.
7 October 2017
Platform 1 location 3 - Bardolini - under the coconut trees.
7 October 2017
Our train has arrived at Platform 1, Kakoti Block College (Dhemaji).
7 October 2017
7 October 2017
The conversations have begun and the doors have opened to new avenues to look into as we question identities. Our first journey through the nation's nervous system has been eventful- we are down 2 phones, a wallet and a tab but up numerous invaluable experiences and interactions with varied individuals. We are fatigued - mentally & physically but we are in Dhemaji and the first Chapter is only beginning. We revert to our basics, our exercises, our process as we look inwards and prepare for our first performance in Assam tomorrow.
6 October 2017
6 October 2017
After an intense 48 hours of travel consisting of attempted thefts, completed thefts, long waits and endless conversations we have finally reached Dhemaji. A peaceful lunch provided by Macbeth drama was the perfect foil to the long journey gone by. Now onto our next Platform 1s starting tomorrow morning in Dhemaji.
6 October 2017
6 October 2017
There is a process in play here. One that shapes most of our interactions, our movements and our day. The process however doesn't account for the unexpected moments that take place when two unconnected journeys come together to form a single uninhibited, organic moment that feeds off it's own spontaneity. Even if only for a brief amount of time. Today we sang with 2 Baul performers who happened to be on the same train as us.
5 October 2017
5 October 2017
"He was creating his space when he was talking to me and telling me all the places he's been to. His space was creating a reaction in me also where sometimes I was reflecting his emotions. But I was also creating my space through my reactions and questions which I think were affecting him." Our performance facilitators carried out their first set of conversations on the train yesterday.
4 October 2017
4 October 2017
Takka takka takka. Cohpeee. Cohpeee. Cohpeee. Identity. Chai. Chai. Childhood. Takka takka takka. Vaday. Aloo chop. Chai. Chai. Chai. Focus on your own reactions. Cohpeee. Takka takka takka.... our reflections and planning sessions have taken on another level of intensity. Reflections and instructions interspersed with the sounds of our environment. This space has a life of its own.
3 October 2017
3 October 2017
As UR/Unreserved begins the journey, 14 artists invite you to the first 'Platform 1', a festival series of 'happenings' in public spaces of Bangalore, Dhemaji, Srinagar and Irinjalakuda.
UR/Unreserved is a project wherein 14 artists from Karnataka (Maraa - a media and arts collective), Assam (Macbethdrama Macbeth), Kashmir (H.E.L.P Foundation), and Kerala (Innerspace LittleTheatre) are preparing to travel in long-distance trains, converse with people, and create work. This work will then be shared in a festival series called ‘Platform1’ – a free and open event, which will happen in public spaces. In Platform1 we will attempt to create a reflective and responsive space
containing elements of performance, image, sound, and sketches. Through this we will invite people to experience and share facets of identity formation and expression.
The space being imagined is fluid - at times viscous, and at times mercurial; at times, solemn and at times light. It is a space that is alive, where performers as well as audiences can partake and determine the pace and direction of experience. The people free to wander, stay, or move on.
1 October 2017
UR/Unreserved is a project wherein 14 artists from Karnataka (Maraa - a media and arts collective), Assam (Macbethdrama Macbeth), Kashmir (H.E.L.P Foundation), and Kerala (Innerspace LittleTheatre) are preparing to travel in long-distance trains, converse with people, and create work. This work will then be shared in a festival series called ‘Platform1’ – a free and open event, which will happen in public spaces. In Platform1 we will attempt to create a reflective and responsive space
containing elements of performance, image, sound, and sketches. Through this we will invite people to experience and share facets of identity formation and expression.
The space being imagined is fluid - at times viscous, and at times mercurial; at times, solemn and at times light. It is a space that is alive, where performers as well as audiences can partake and determine the pace and direction of experience. The people free to wander, stay, or move on.
1 October 2017
Our oreintation process..
We are working on our movement today. What is natural, what is exaggerated? Where do the impulses for our movements begin?What does it feel like for the impulses that create movements in you to be caused externally? Can you replicate that feeling internally?
1 october 2017
1 october 2017
Our pieces for Platform 1 are slowly taking shape. An introduction of who we are, where we come from and what we are doing together as a team. Come by Cubbon Park on the 3rd to join us as we begin our journey at Platform 1
29 September 2017
29 September 2017
Kera means coconut and there are a lot of coconut trees in Kerala. That is where the name Kerala come from. Goutham and Sunathi are talking to us about all things Kerala. Keep an eye on our Instagram story to catch some of the themes we cover.
24 September 2017
24 September 2017
The famous Malayalam boat song to welcome our Primary Collaborators-Maraa.
Kuttanadan Punjayile thithithara thithithey
Kochupenne kuyilaale thithithara theytheythom (Malayalam)
Video & Sound Production - Varun Ram Kutkoti & Nihal Passanha
23 September 2017
Kuttanadan Punjayile thithithara thithithey
Kochupenne kuyilaale thithithara theytheythom (Malayalam)
Video & Sound Production - Varun Ram Kutkoti & Nihal Passanha
23 September 2017
Mapping Exercise - Parmita Mukherjee & Nihal Passanha. Let's play! I'll draw a map of everywhere you have been in India. You'll draw a map of where I have been. I would like to know where you were born, where you come from, all the places you have visited. I'll show you the same - Where I was born, where I have been and all the moments that stay with me from these places. Let us put them together and turn the page to reveal a little bit more about who we are.
Then lets draw our own timelines. Lets think about those turning points that make us who we are and brought us to this point. You don't have to tell me. Draw a symbol for every point. Let's look at who we are.
Then lets draw our own timelines. Lets think about those turning points that make us who we are and brought us to this point. You don't have to tell me. Draw a symbol for every point. Let's look at who we are.
22 September 2017
Then lets draw our own timelines. Lets think about those turning points that make us who we are and brought us to this point. You don't have to tell me. Draw a symbol for every point. Let's look at who we are.
Then lets draw our own timelines. Lets think about those turning points that make us who we are and brought us to this point. You don't have to tell me. Draw a symbol for every point. Let's look at who we are.
22 September 2017
We're in Pennamma Bhavanam in Thiruvalla and those of us who have reached earlier welcome the ones to arrive yet.
Namma Tipparhalli balu doora
Nadeyak balu doora
Namma Tipparhalli balu doora
Aadre al avl namm basvi (Kannada)
Video and Sound Production - Varun Ram Kurtkoti and Nihal Passanah
21 September 2017
Namma Tipparhalli balu doora
Nadeyak balu doora
Namma Tipparhalli balu doora
Aadre al avl namm basvi (Kannada)
Video and Sound Production - Varun Ram Kurtkoti and Nihal Passanah
21 September 2017
Pack up. Say goodbyes. Ola to train station. Stop. Parmita. Awkward hellos (new relationship). Run to the shop. Run back. Stop. Anish. Aruna. Plus two unknowns. Mother crying. Daughter standing by her. Who are they? What is their story. Stop. Conversation. Anish Consolation. Mother wipes away her tears. Mother leaves. Stop. We join the group. Introductions. Walk to the platform. Pleasantries exchanged. Stop. Wait. Ding Ding Ding. The train has arrived. Start. Our journey to Thiruvalla has begun. The orientation has begun. Our adventure has begun.
Animation: Parmita Mukherjee
Video & Sound Production: Varun Ram Kurtkoti & Anish Victor
Copy Editor: Nihal Passanha
18 September 2017
Animation: Parmita Mukherjee
Video & Sound Production: Varun Ram Kurtkoti & Anish Victor
Copy Editor: Nihal Passanha
18 September 2017