‘Gossip’, a theatre production by Kochi group delves into the nuances of female friendships

Gossip, a movement theatre production, is a celebration of female friendships, says Anjali Krishnadas who conceptualised it with Ponnu Sajeev, “we are putting forward the importance of female friendships which make us resilient and are a support system helping us deal with the patriarchy that we face in our daily lives.” Gossip, conceptualised and directed by Anjali and Ponnu and choreographed by Greeshma Narendran, will be perfromed by these three dancers. She elaborates how they reached the theme. Gossip will be staged on February 13, at Blue Collar Collective, Kakkanad.

“Gossip derives from the Old/Middle English ‘Godsibb’. One of the meanings attributed to it are trusted friend, especially a female companion during childbirth. And we wanted to give it that spin to the word than what is commonly attributed to it. Gossip has a negative connotation, which women are accused of. This is our way of reclaiming the term!” Anjali adds.

We see the action unfold via three female characters, as they go through life as they deal with love, societal and familial pressures. With this production, the attempt is to sh All incidents depicted in the show are inspired by real life, she adds. Anjali and Ponnu run Thuddippu Dance Foundation, an arts school and event space, while Greeshma Narendran is an actor/dancer.

The production was premiered at the Kochi Muziris Biennale on January 26, where it met with much enthusiasm and a standing applause. The choreography does not adhere to one form of dance but rather a blend of forms — contemporary, Bharatanatyam besides elements of theatre and other forms. “There are elements of fun, a mix of things. For instance we even have gym sequences.” The entire production has been done by women.