Saranya Devan's Dance-Drama Explores History of Indian Indentured Labourers

Saranya Devan, a lecturer in theatre and dance, has developed a dance-drama production titled 'Sari Sir.' The work utilizes the South Indian classical dance form of Bharathanatyam to explore the experiences of Indian indentured labourers who worked on sugar plantations in South Africa.

The production uses the sari, a six-metre length of cloth, as a central symbol. Through movement, the garment represents a wide spectrum of human experience, including birth, death, grief, longing, protection, and joy, while embodying the fragility and resilience of life.

The narrative focuses on the brutality of the colonial era, highlighting the emotional trauma, stigmatization, and physical pain endured by the labourers. The title 'Sari Sir' refers to the Tamil phrase for "Okay, Sir," reflecting the timid surrender of workers who yielded to their masters.

Devan described the creative process as a rewarding experience, noting the commitment and enthusiasm of her students as they engaged with the vocabulary of Bharathanatyam. She views her professional work as a hobby, stating that turning a passion into a career is an ideal way to live.

The production features a cast of students from the Centre for Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies who have been trained in both drama and Bharathanatyam under Devan's direction. The cast includes Breyton Bridgens, Julio Volkwyn, Kabo Kola, Ree Strauss, Reanli Swart, Cassidy Flatwell, Karabo Seitshiro, Tameka Petersen, Daniel Boucher, and Dino Vavatzanidis.

'Sari Sir' is scheduled to run from November 15 to November 19 at the CTDPS Little Theatre, located in Cape Town City Centre, South Africa.