GAJAM by Rasa Theatre Collective | India

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For Ages 6+ 
30 mins |Non-Verbal
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16 - 22 November 2021
​Online

GAJAM is a digital theatre performance suitable for children above the age of 6. The story is set in a space where humans and wild elephants come in close contact.

The conflict begins when man and animal tussle for food and space. What do we do when the land we live in is not enough? Why do wild elephants leave the forest and eat from the farmlands? When the livelihood of people is completely dependent on the food they cultivate, can they share it with elephants?

​In a culture where we worship elephants as divine, should we relook at the way we treat elephants as animals? The play is non-verbal and also uses miniature puppets. 

Credits 
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Written by Rahul Thomas
Conceived, devised & performed by Rahul Thomas & Sidharth Varma
Creative collaborators - Adwitha Arumugam & Ajithlal Sivalal
Cameraperson - Amritha Padmakumar
Music & Sound - Arun Varkey
Editor - Suufi
Edakka artist - Amarnadh Sreedharan
Set design - Rakhil V
Puppet design - Renjini Thampi and Rakhil V
Camera crew - Alan Jose & Ame Er 
Supported by ThinkArts Grant 2021

Rasa Theatre Collective is founded with the vision to create contemporary theatre performances rooted in the Indian socio-cultural and political milieu. In the push and pull of traditional and modern, the collective strives to find a balance. Co-founded by theatre makers Rahul Thomas and Sidharth Varma in 2021, it aims to create original theatre work that is relevant, reflective and immersive. Rahul and Sidharth are the recipients of ThinkArts Grant 2021. Rasa is based out of Kochi.

Rahul Thomas is a theatre maker, storyteller & educator.  He has facilitated numerous storytelling sessions and theatre workshops for children at literature festivals, schools and community spaces. He is also working as a theatre pedagogue in Head Start Educational Academy, Bangalore since 2018.

Sidharth Varma is an actor, theatre maker, storyteller and dubbing artist working in Kochi and Chennai. He is trained in mime, pantomime, shadow theatre and gymnastics. He is currently undergoing training in clowning. He was a theatre trainer at MacTrics, A Mime and Body Theatre group, in Chennai from 2015 to 2017. He has been a children’s trainer for stage and film for more than five years. His film credits include 'Varane Avashyamunde' (Malayalam) and 'Irumbhu Thirai' (Tamil).