The theatre scene in Bengaluru is set to witness a profound exploration of human emotions as the Ennui Collective prepares to stage their acclaimed play, *Earthquake*. The performance, featuring skilled actors Yamuna Kali and Naman Roy, delves deep into themes of human connection, loneliness, and the poignant moments that often remain unspoken. Co-written by Samragni Dasgupta and Marvin Krause, the play promises to captivate audiences with its raw portrayal of interpersonal relationships.
Samragni Dasgupta, a Bengaluru-based theatre practitioner, shares insights into the birth of *Earthquake*. “The play is an adaptation of a work I originally authored with Marvin, titled *Bhūmikampa – Das Erdbeben*, which translates to ‘earthquake’ in both Bengali and German,” explains Samragni. The duo initially embarked on this creative journey independently, but their paths converged through a grant from the International Cultural Projects from the Department of Arts and Culture of the City of Munich. This collaboration culminated in a successful premiere in Munich’s Partha S Theatre in December 2023.
The linguistic diversity of the play is noteworthy. Initially written in English, German, and Bengali, *Earthquake* has since been staged in multiple languages, including English, Malayalam, and Kannada/Hindi, adapting to the local cultural context of Bengaluru. The upcoming performances will be presented in English, Hindi, and Kannada, further emphasizing its universal themes.
Samragni elaborates on the play’s adaptability, “Each performance is tailored to the actors’ native languages, allowing it to resonate across different cultural backdrops while retaining its core focus on universal themes of human connection.” This flexibility was central to Samragni and Marvin’s vision, ensuring that *Earthquake* remains relevant and adaptable across linguistic barriers.
With every staging, the play evolves, influenced by the actors’ interpretations, their emotional connection to the story, and the audience’s response. “The characters, intentions, and even the ending transform depending on the actors’ perspectives,” notes Samragni. Her journey in theatre began at the tender age of six under the mentorship of Kirtana Kumar, a respected actor, director, and filmmaker in Bengaluru. In the past five years, she has pursued theatre professionally, honing her craft and passion for storytelling.
The collaboration between Samragni and Marvin blossomed on a farm in Bengaluru during an intercultural initiative called Border Busters.
. Their conversations navigated topics of race, identity, intersectionality, and the vulnerability required to truly understand another person. Marvin’s decision to immerse himself in Indian culture by traveling extensively in the country became a pivotal moment in their creative partnership, leading to the conception of *Earthquake*.
At its heart, *Earthquake* examines the delicate balance between connection and isolation. Samragni shares, “Our upcoming shows at Shoonya Centre for Arts and Somatic Practices will use a black box stage set-up, immersing the audience within arm’s reach of the performers. This setup blurs the lines between stage and audience, crafting an intimate and sometimes uncomfortable, but profoundly engaging experience.”
The theatre piece is a philosophical invitation for audiences to witness the fragile dynamics of human connection, challenging preconceived notions of vulnerability and togetherness. Founded in June of this year, Samragni’s Ennui Collective seeks to create a nurturing platform for all forms of artistic expression, with *Earthquake* as its flagship production.
Describing her partnership with Marvin, Samragni reflects on their synergy, “Initially, we explored cultural differences, but we soon uncovered a deeper shared experience rooted in loneliness and the intricacies of human relationships.” Marvin, a freelance theatre artist based in Munich, currently studying documentary filmmaking, complements Samragni’s vision. Meanwhile, Samragni continues to create theatre-based experiences for corporate entities in her day job, while also crafting plays that resonate with diverse audiences.
Enthusiasts can catch *Earthquake* on various dates: October 27 at 7pm at Shoonya Centre for Arts and Somatic Practices, November 3 at 3.30pm and 7.30pm at Medai, Koramangala, November 5 at 7.30pm at Ranga Shankara, and November 10 at 7pm at Max Mueller Bhavan. Tickets are available on BookMyShow. As Bengaluru prepares to embrace this theatrical journey, *Earthquake* invites us all to reflect on the universal dance of togetherness and solitude.
