Tattvamala Diaries – Part II
Day Two of Tattvamala 2026 was an absolute powerhouse of vibrant intellectual and creative energy!
It was indeed a masterclass of sorts on how academic inquiry and creative performance can take our breath away in every way! 😊
The morning was dedicated to rigorous intellectual exchange, featuring three distinct perspectives on the evolving world of drama.
Dr. Prabhanjan Mane (Shivaji University, Kolhapur) opened the sessions by exploring the boundaries of modern performance, through his talk on “Experimentation in Contemporary Theatre”. His insights into how theatre continues to reinvent itself set a high bar for the day.
Dr. Isabel Santa Rita Vas, a titan of Goan English Theatre, followed with a compelling talk titled, “Deconstructing the Circular Wall”, that challenged our traditional perceptions of theatrical space and narrative.
I had the privilege of presenting my own plenary, on the topic, “Textual Transformations & Multimodal Pedagogies”, focusing on how we can use multimodal approaches to make the drama classroom more dynamic and inclusive for today’s students.
What made these sessions truly special was indeed the post-plenary interactions that we had! - participants and faculty members were seen engaging in a spirited dialogue that lasted long after the microphones were turned off.
At 1:15 pm, the momentum shifted to the College Auditorium in the BBA Building. The Mustard Seed Art Company (Goa) presented “Tongue-Tied,” a docudrama directed by Dr. Isabel Santa Rita Vas.
It is rare to see an academic crowd completely spellbound, but “Tongue-Tied” did exactly that. The performance was, intense, engaging and unforgettable.
“Tongue-Tied” is a docudrama that explores the complex, often volatile intersection of language, power, and identity.
Written and directed by Dr. Isabel Santa Rita Vas and performed by the Mustard Seed Art Company, the play is a “docudrama” because it blends fictional storytelling with real-world linguistic tensions, particularly those relevant to the Indian and Goan contexts.
The title itself refers to the struggle of those who find it difficult to speak out - either due to personal vulnerability or due to social suppression. As Dr. Vas rightly pointed out, the play examines how we can be “tongue-tied” or hesitant when it comes to respecting different languages.
The play addresses how multilingualism can be a source of joy but also a tool for exclusion, judgment, or dominance. It explores the “language wars” and controversies that often arise when people become intolerant of the “unfamiliar.”
A central figure in the play, Carmen, embodies this struggle. She loves languages passionately but find herself unable to voice her own dreams, while those around her remain oblivious to the "silence layered with longing."
In the context of the conference, the play served as a live application of the morning’s theoretical discussions.
The show concluded with a spontaneous, thunderous standing ovation - the ultimate testament to the cast and director’s involvement in the play.
Reflecting on the day, it’s clear that Tattvamala is more than just a conference; it’s a lovely space where “texts” interact with other “texts” for an intertextual treat of sorts!
A special round of applause to the organisers, especially to Dr. Shanthi, the ever-vibrant, ever-amiable and spirited Vice Principal of the College, who led from the front, steering the two-day Seminar to a grand success. A big shout-out to Prof. Subhash for his endearing love and hospitality right from the time we stepped into Goa, till the time we bid adieu to our lovely Goan friends.
In short, a rewarding day in every way, today! 😊
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