‘Shifting Syllables’ is a performance that attempts to reflect on the repercussions which arise

from having one's name, a significant part of one's identity, subject to scrutiny in diverse

social and cultural environments. It uses the concept of a name as a medium to understand the

reality of a society we live in, where one person’s birth privileges transform into another’s

disadvantages.

'Shifting Syllables' was first created for 'American A-Liverary' - a project by American

Center, Kolkata and Pickle Factory Dance Foundation, Calcutta.

This performance seeks to delve into the experiences of two Indian poets and two Asian-

American poets about their names, utilising their poetry as the primary source of reference.

The four chosen poems are

'On listening to your teacher take attendance' by Aimee Nezhukumatathil,

‘An Introduction’ by Kamala Das,

‘Mujhe mere naam se Pukaro’ by Alka Verma and

'Cardamom Vowels' by Aruni Wijesinghe.

The poems reflect on the struggle of an individual in finding acceptance within a milieu

marked by cultural differences and persistent patriarchal social conventions. This struggle is

attempted to be embodied by the performer.