Digital Poetry Archive

Online platform preserving and promoting contemporary Malayalam literature for global audiences

Poet & Literary Artist

Location: Kochi Category: Digital Art Rating: 8.2/10

Project Description

An immersive street theatre experience that captures the authentic voices and stories of Mumbai's diverse communities. Through a series of performances staged in various neighborhoods, this project explores themes of urban identity, migration, and belonging. Using a combination of traditional storytelling techniques and contemporary performance art, we aim to create a dialogue between different social strata of the city. The project will feature local artists and community members, making it a truly collaborative artistic endeavor that celebrates Mumbai's cultural tapestry.

Project Trailer

Creator's Note

This project emerged from my daily commute through Mumbai's bustling streets, where I witnessed countless untold stories unfolding in real-time. As an artist, I felt compelled to give voice to these narratives that often go unnoticed. The inspiration came during a monsoon evening when I observed a street vendor sharing poetry with customers while selling tea. That moment crystallized my vision of art existing not just in galleries, but in the very fabric of urban life. Working with local communities has been transformative - their authentic experiences have shaped every aspect of this performance. The collaborative nature of street theatre allows for spontaneous interactions and genuine connections that traditional venues cannot provide. Through this project, I hope to bridge the gap between different social worlds and celebrate the resilience, creativity, and humanity that defines Mumbai's spirit. Each performance is unique, shaped by the energy and stories of its specific neighborhood context.

Cast

Lead Performers: Rajesh Menon (Street Vendor), Kavya Nair (Migrant Worker), Arjun Desai (Office Worker)
Community Collaborators: Dharavi Arts Collective, Bandra West Residents Association
Featured Voices: Mumbai Street Musicians Collective
Special Appearances: Local Tea Vendors Association Members

Crew

Director & Creator: Priya Sharma
Music & Sound: Ankit Sharma (Original Compositions)
Production Assistant: Meera Joshi
Documentation: Rohan Patil (Photography), Sneha Kulkarni (Video)
Local Coordinators: Fatima Sheikh (Dharavi), Pradeep Kumar (Dadar), Sunita Rao (Bandra)
Special Thanks: Mumbai Municipal Corporation Arts Department