Fifteen years. You can really build something solid in fifteen years. You can take the cherished vision of a person or a few people and turn into a clarion call for a community. A community into which people with shared interests will come and go and add a little something over the course of those fifteen years.

It was in 2009 when I had just graduated from University and staring down a financial crisis and record unemployment levels that I became involved with Prayas. I worked on the script for ‘Tales from a Firozsha Baag’, which would go on to become the play ‘Khoj’, with my best friend. It was a massive opportunity for me to dip my toes into all the things that I love – writing plays, theatre and the camaraderie that exists in creating with like minded people.

We worked with a dramaturge so we could tell the story as best as we could and added in an unforgettable character – Aparna – because we felt her story enriched the play and told of the migrant experience from a female perspective. I mention this because it has become an ongoing theme in my own work – the quest to highlight voices not as often heard. I benefitted so greatly from working with a professional who was experienced in the art of feedback and gentle guidance. This has become, I feel, the hallmark of the ‘Prayas Experience’ – gentle guidance and support from your fellows.

I was also part of the rehearsals, assisting the actors with their lines and learning the entire play off by heart by the end! I saw with my own eyes the commitment of the cast and crew, the joy at creating something meaningful together and the characters that I had only seen on the pages of the script come alive through our actors. The funny thing about being ‘on set’ every weekend and some weeknights for months on end is that the soundtrack from the production has imprinted on my brain. “Kali Kali Zulfein” by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and “Tangaroa – God of the Sea” by Tiki Tane still feature prominently in my own playlist!

The importance of the migration storyline in the play cannot be overstated – not just to the cast and crew but also with the audience. Khoj was many things but at its heart it was about one man learning that you didn’t have to fit in to belong.  Being backstage as the actors prepared for their performance and standing on the sidelines as I watched the audience take in the story were some of my best memories from that season. Seeing that something I had been a part of creating resonating with the audience was a great reward.

But when I think about my time with Prayas, it is the friendships that stand out. Things are clichés for a reason and the people I met along the way are what I cherish the most about Prayas; the connections forged due to shared interests that became enduring relationships due to shared experiences. The post rehearsal biriyani sessions, the after after-parties and the random jam sessions that always seemed to materialise out of nowhere was a godsend at a time in my own life when things seemed bleak. I was constantly amused, surprised and inspired by these creative people who gave so generously of their time and effort.  I am so grateful that those friendships continue to flourish to this day – my Prayas pals are generous in spirit, thoughtful and forever opening my eyes to new ideas.

I have had the privilege of seeing them sing, dance, play the piano and direct with growing confidence. I have seen them give up their regular 9 to 5s to pursue their artistic passions (a big deal for anybody but especially so for desis!) and even cross oceans in pursuit of this passion. It does your heart good to see your friends be brave, take risks and discover themselves through their involvement with Prayas. And to see them thrive. These wonderful people continue to inspire me with their love for theatre and commitment to authentic self-expression.

I have enjoyed many loud and chaotic conversations over plays we’ve just seen; movies we are waiting to see and TV shows that have grabbed our interests. I live for these – the chance to hear the perspective of those who have industry insider knowledge along with incisive analytical ability is a dream come true! That mutual passion for theatre carries over into all areas of artistic expressions and have resulted in some of the best conversations of my life!

The friends I have made through Prayas have shown me the importance of holding the door open behind you when you make it through because it is not just about one voice but a plurality of voices that are united in a common goal. The generosity of my friends who share interesting opportunities and tap you on the shoulder, encouraging you to keep up with your own dreams will never be taken for granted! We all need a little push sometimes and I’m grateful I have friends who will randomly pop into my inbox with a link to a writer’s group in my area.

This forms what is my fondest wish for Prayas as it continues to scale new heights – to allow more theatre nerds to discover themselves and each other; to create art that is true to itself and continue challenging established narratives. Here’s to many more years of shining the spotlight on oft-ignored voices and stories and just as many post-rehearsal biryanis and jam sessions!

Poorna.