This weekend, a climate startup turns to art and stagecraft with a satirical play to spark a conversation about the increasingly evident climatic catastrophe facing the world
(From left) Sahir Mehta, Jayesh Vavhal and Shivani Tanksale during the Bengaluru showcase. Pic Courtesy/Sumukh
The moment someone offers to sell you a technological solution to a problem, they are not solving the problem. They are selling you stuff,” quips Meghana AT. The Mumbai-based theatremaker is battling the increasingly difficult air of Maximum City. “My health has been off for a month, and people keep telling me ‘It is not as bad as Delhi.’” she says, annoyed. So, her collaboration with Bengaluru-based climate start-up, Asar, on a production that speaks on the subject of heat stress seems understandable. Opening in Mumbai this Sunday, Fever Dream is a satire that blends politics, climate consciousness, and messaging through humour and wit.
“The production is a part of the Climate Culture Collective, and Asar’s approach to spark conversations on the subject through popular mediums. Last year, we began an initiative to imbue this conversation into formats beyond legacy media,” shares Brikesh Singh, chief of communications, Asar, and coordinator, Climate Culture Collective. This is their second initiative, after Laughs Per Minute-Breathless edition that opened in the city last year.
Sahir Mehta (left) with Shivani Tanksale in the play
“As a production, Tafreehwale is about fun and politics. We wanted to create a show that would be relatable across the board,” shares Telang, who wrote the play with Nayantara Nayar. The play centres on two ambitious individuals pitching the idea for a tech solution to solve a climate problem of heat related stress. “People often ignore the aftereffects of rising heat as a minor irritation. They hardly realise the effect it has on your food, your lifestyle, and your body. The idea of placing it in a reality show was, well, emblematic of the world we live in,” she laughs. Having opened in Bengaluru last month, the Mumbai premiere arrives in the midst of the city reeling with disturbing AQI levels.
Does it make a difference? Singh shares, “We need to try and use all mediums at our disposal. We hope to have people from the authorities drop in for a show. Perhaps, seeing the issue placed before them in a lighter, relatable way leaves a mark,” he shares. Looking out our window, we certainly hope so.
ON November 30; 7 pm
AT G5A Warehouse, Laxmi Mills Estate, Mahalaxmi West.
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