Exploring intimacy beyond romance: Theatre Nisha's 'Bond' workshop celebrates connection through art

CHENNAI: In a world that prioritises independence and self-sufficiency, we often forget that true strength lies in connection.

Romance, physical proximity, passion- these are some of the words we associate intimacy with. Beyond all these, it is the ability to connect deeply with another person, whether a friend, family member, mentor, or even a stranger. It makes one feel safe, and builds trust, and emotional transparency that allows individuals to be themselves, irrespective of the place and people they are with.

Having said that, one of the most profound ways to understand and express intimacy has always been through art, particularly theatre. From the romantic theatre acts of French novelist and playwright Alexandre Dumas, French romance author Victor-Marie Hugo- the playwright who developed the theory of romantic drama, to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet- a love story for the ages, theatre has staged the craziness and vertigo of loving someone- from conflict, grief, ardent, reconciliation and so much more.

This Valentine’s Day, city-based prominent theatre group, Theatre Nisha brings a unique theatre experience of movement and text infused workshop, titled Bond. Bond will make you step into the world of iconic scenes from world literature. “It’s an opportunity to engage with unique tools of the trade including contact improvisation, script analysis to create your scene with your chosen partner,” explains V Balakrishnan, founder and artistic director of Theatre Nisha.

Whether through scripted performances or improvisation, these experiences can help individuals break through personal barriers and develop a healthier relationship with intimacy.

“We are selecting excerpts from theater plays like Ashadh Ka Ek Din, Desire in the Rocks, The Fire and the Rain and a few more. Here we are going to be exploring intimacy in the sense that the two people who are in the scene, are responding to imaginary stimuli. But they are working from a space of honesty and trust.”

The theatrical concept urges participants to come as pairs, particularly with somebody whom you can trust and feel safe, since the movement workshop explores physical intimacy. Participants who are signing up for the workshop, almost a week or 10 days in advance, are given a copy of their scene that they have to render.

Celebrating intimacy beyond romance and age

Shobha Viswanath, publishing director and co-founder of Karadi Tales Company first met author Anushka Ravishankar, who is sometimes called Indian Dr. Seuss, decades ago.

“We are drinking buddies,” Shobha laughs, “and we’ve always been there for each other, whether it’s over a cup of tea or at literary festivals.”

It was during moments of shared grief that their bond deepened. They lost their mothers within a year of each other, and caring for aging parents with debilitating illnesses—brought them even closer. “Intimacy isn’t just about physical proximity,” Shobha reflects. “It’s about who you can reach out to in a moment of need, who understands you without explanation.”

The focus of the workshop on intimacy resonated deeply with them both who are in their 60s. Portraying an excerpt from Girish Karnard's first play- Yayati, Shobha plays Sharmishtha, an Asura princess, while Anushka portrays Devayani, a Brahmin’s daughter. The two characters share a complex relationship marked by jealousy, rivalry, and a strange, almost hateful intimacy.

“Intimacy needn't always be positive,” she says. “It can arise from dislike, rivalry, emotions that are just as intense as love. In this play, the two women are bound by their shared history and their mutual disdain for each other. It’s fascinating to explore.”

The workshop is their way to honour their friendship and explore new dimensions of their relationship.

Bringing theatre back as a safe space

Bala strongly believes that intimacy is a powerful force, if utilised properly, can lead to empowerment and liberation. He explains, “I think intimacy has to do with two people being able to share a space without any fear. Theatre must give that platform. But as we see, theatre has also in many ways not been able to. Sometimes it has been exploited and manipulated. So somewhere, we also want theatre to regain that safe space for everyone to explore whatever they wish.”

For those who are reticent with their bodies in a particular space, Bond will be a great start point for them to realise that in this space, there is no judgment, no validation, and they are absolutely free to explore, possibly go back that evening with a little more trust and belief in their own approach to intimacy.

Explore intimacy through art with Bond, taking place on February 14, at Spaces, Besant Nagar 5th Avenue, between 3 pm to 6 pm.