As part of the Post-Human International Alternative Art Conclave in Odisha, India, this performance explored the profound connection between linguistic authenticity, human expression, and existence in the Anthropocene era. It sought to uncover the purity of regional languages as a raw and unfiltered medium for cultural articulation, emphasizing their significance in a rapidly homogenizing world.
Concept and Framework
The performance centered on the idea that when individuals communicate in their regional languages—be it through spoken words, written scripts, or oral sounds akin to early human expression—they convey their thoughts and emotions in the most authentic and unadulterated form. This notion of linguistic and cultural authenticity formed the foundation of the work, offering a reflection on the diverse ways human existence manifests through language and gesture.
Structure and Execution
The performance unfolded in the corridor of the Linguistics Department at the host university, a location chosen for its symbolic resonance with the study and preservation of languages.
The first phase involved the screening of documented clips capturing individuals expressing themselves in their native tongues. These clips—featuring local songs, poems, and other culturally significant oral expressions—were slowed down to remove sound, drawing attention to the body and oral gestures of the speakers. This silence amplified the universal language of movement and expression, creating a visual narrative of human authenticity.
In parallel, the original soundtracks of these clips were reimagined into a multilingual soundscape. This audio composition wove together the essence of various regional languages, presenting their unique cultural contexts while celebrating their collective harmony.
Interactive Engagement
In the second phase, the audience became active participants in the performance. They were invited to write words, phrases, or symbols in their regional languages on the performer’s body using kajal, a traditional black cosmetic with protective and spiritual connotations in Indian culture. The use of kajal symbolized the safeguarding of linguistic purity and the sacredness of cultural identity.
As the audience inscribed their regional expressions on the performer’s body, the act transformed into a ritual of preservation, where the body became a living archive of linguistic diversity. This interaction deepened the audience's engagement, fostering a collective recognition of the value and purity of regional languages.
The Culmination: Sound, Rhythm, and Movement
The performance culminated with the multilingual soundscape transitioning into live music played on the khol, a traditional drum from Odisha. The performer, having learned the instrument during the conclave, used its resonating beats to create a visceral experience of sound and vibration.
The rhythmic pulse of the khol invited the audience to move their bodies, transforming the space into a collective celebration of human existence. This final act bridged the tensions between languages, highlighting the shared humanity that transcends linguistic differences through sound, movement, and rhythm.
Significance and Reflection
This performance was an ode to the purity of regional languages and their role in preserving cultural identity amidst the challenges of the Anthropocene. It demonstrated that human expression, whether through language, sound, or movement, is a fundamental force that unites us all.
By creating a sensorial and participatory experience, the performance celebrated the richness of linguistic diversity while advocating for its preservation. It reminded us that, in a world increasingly shaped by global influences, the authenticity of regional languages remains a vital thread in the tapestry of human existence.
This work stands as a testament to the resilience of linguistic and cultural identities, urging us to embrace and protect their purity for future generations.
By Bhanu Shrivastav,
Image courtesy - Aparna Ashok
