LITTLE STINT | Tanashah

Navtej Johar’s latest solo performance headlines the first day of Little Stint II. The 75-minute piece, which has been hailed as ‘groundbreaking’, is very much based in current times. It explores the extremes in our lives, both political and personal. Johar harnesses all his powers as a dancer, choreographer and yogi in this theatrical work based on the prison diaries of the young revolutionary Bhagat Singh. It draws particular influence from the searing clarity—particularly for a 23-year-old facing death at the hands of the Empire—of the essay Why I am an Atheist. Vocals by Madan Gopal Singh and K Venkateshwaran emphasise the extremes of thought and emotion and immerse the audience in the mind of a young man coming to terms with where he belongs.

There are several similarities in the early lives of Bhagat and Johar. Born to conservative, religious Punjabi families, both grew up with those inherited values. Both were drawn to the works of the great Punjabi poets. Over time, each grappled with values, beliefs, the status quo in society and their role in it. Each emerged from this inner struggle with clarity and grace. As a male Bharatanatyam dancer Johar continues to push the envelope–of form and substance. Tanashah–-as much an homage to the old poets of Punjab as a reiteration of his relationship with Bhagat as a poet and a revolutionary–is a powerful and moving addition to his award-winning body of work.