A dramatic global stage

Ana Margineanu

Long before we got caught in the web of Zoom calls, New York-based immersive theatre company PopUp Theatrics had devised a way for viewers to globetrot from the comfort of their homes. Co-founder Ana Margineanu shares that their virtual production, Long Distance Affair (LDA), was born in 2011, out of their desire to create a platform that allows theatrewallahs across the globe to work together without travelling, and yet transport the audience to different cities. "When you travel, you only have access to the ‘touristy' part of the city; you don't get to experience how locals live. Through LDA, you travel straight to someone's kitchen," she explains.

Barbie Wu representing Portland during rehearsals

In a world that's emerging from lockdowns, complying with travel restrictions and practising social distancing, it's fitting that LDA's new production whisks viewers away to Mumbai, Portland, Mexico City, Lagos, Beirut and Los Angeles. The show is being produced by Juggerknot Theatre Company and PopUp Theatrics. "Each ticket allows viewers to embark on a virtual plane that takes them to three destinations. At each stop, they will be greeted by a performance," elaborates Margineanu. Viewers will also be able to interact with the actors.

Neha Singh rehearses for the Mumbai encounter of the production

Madh Island-based actor Neha Singh is one of the 18 artistes who have tried to blend in the flavour of the city that they're representing in the production. The actor, who has worked with New York-based artistes Dipti Bramhandkar and Tai Thompson on her piece, reveals that it's centred on Mrs Asha, a psychic. "Mrs Asha can hear internal vibrations of people; she connects with them through music and sounds," she elaborates, adding that viewers visit her to "find their own frequency" and get to sing along, too. Bramhandkar, who was born in Mumbai, says the script was inspired by Singh's musical abilities: "I thought about how this ability might come to life at a time when we are heavily reliant on technology to stay close to our loved ones."

Like Mrs Asha's story, the others, too, are intimate tales, points out Margineanu, revealing that in LA, the audience will participate in a special ritual; in Lagos, they'll be part of someone's prayers; in Mexico City, they'll encounter loss and revenge, and so on. "LDA is a roller coaster ride. You see the sunrise in Mumbai, the dark night in Beirut, feel the heat of Lagos, and almost smell these places," she adds. Are you ready to take off?

On: February 11 to February 21 (various slots)
Log on to: longdistanceaffair.info
Cost: $40 for three destinations (approximately Rs 2,916)