How a 60-year-old woman reclaims her memories through theatre
In the one-woman play Podcast Opera, the protagonist records episodes of her podcast as a way of navigating her memories —both painful and joyful. Through
In the one-woman play Podcast Opera, the protagonist records episodes of her podcast as a way of navigating her memories —both painful and joyful. Through these monologues, she pieces together fragments of herself, cautiously revisiting moments of passionate love, devastating loss and long-forgotten experiences. Performed by veteran theatre artiste Sajitha Madathil and directed by Emil Madhavi, Podcast Opera follows a 60-year-old woman as she recounts episodes from her life. Written by Sajitha and Emil, the play combines the experiences of a woman entering the twilight of her life with the contemporary podcast format. Produced by Nazrudeen Valiyaveetil, it premiered in Kochi on June 20 and is currently touring Australia at the invitation of Malayali theatre groups. Sajitha says the idea emerged from observing how her generation views turning 60 compared to the one before it.
“A large section of Kerala’s population is approaching their 60s. When I was younger, I thought people that age were old and nearing the end of life. Today, many see it as a second thirties — an age when they’re free to travel, explore new experiences and live with fewer responsibilities,” she says. “The main inspiration for the play came from our own experiences, our parents’ lives and the stories of women around us,” says Sajitha. “We also wanted to explore the tension between memory and memory loss.” Emil, a former Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award winner, explains that a memory box serves as a recurring motif throughout the play. The air trapped inside symbolises life and memory, while the gradual release of air mirrors the protagonist’s fading recollections.
“I had been thinking about creating a project centred on sound after completing my PhD in sound dramaturgy. That’s how the idea of a protagonist recording podcasts came about,” he says. “The play unfolds episodically rather than following a conventional three-act structure. Each episode has its own soundscape, reflecting a different emotional state.” Finding the right balance between storytelling and theatricality was one of the production’s biggest challenges, he adds. “We wanted to make the podcast format engaging while retaining the essence of live theatre.” The music is composed by Varkey, with sound design by Shaiju M. The play also features a rap track by Indulekha Warrier. For Emil, another challenge lay in dismantling the audience’s preconceived image of Sajitha. “People associate her with wearing glasses and a large bindi.
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