Natya Cirque: Ramlila in Banaras Reimagined

Ramlila as an event is seen here in the parallels drawn from a periodic ringed performance of circus which visits cities and towns. Along with its variations, the similarities are taken as point of departure in setting the design process. Circle as a form is explored because it forms a focal point which the selected site of Shivala ghat requires in its existing multiple dispersing frames. Banaras as a city orients towards the water of Ganga through series of steps forming ghats, is given a specific focal point through a concept of 'ring performance'. However, the linearity of steps situated in the design intersects with the circles fragmented into multilevel decks as theatre stage. The continuation of circle as a form of geometry sees different explorations in the movement of actors, at times discecting through the seating crowd.The props of circus are recreated and contextualized in the given performance.The tensile roof sits on the top of the site overlooking and containing the audience in its geometrical form.