Chennai
On a lazy Sunday evening, in the midst of urban chaos, a group of writers is flirting with the written word and sowing the seeds for a literary culture at Luz House, while a group of poets are tackling the verses. Under the same roof there is also a group of graffiti artists, All for One, doing a special live work on a 20-foot-tall canvas. These are scenes from the launch of The Spoken Word, by Nimisha Sara Philip (25) and her junior from school, Varshita Ravindranathan (24), a movement that aims to bring together creative forms like art, music, water and aero sports, all under one roof. “Chennai is a city with incredible art and musical talent, and unfortunately, we don’t explore them enough. There is no platform per se that allows for a collaboration of all creative talents. Hence, we found it necessary to start The Spoken Word,” says Varshita.
The two friends hope to thus get various artists on board, host a series of events once every four months and build a network that brings together established artists and also uncovers new talent. The events will feature painters, musicians, photographers, poets, theatre actors, designers, architects, writers, dancers, make-up artists, animators, sculptors, water sports and fitness enthusiasts — young, old, beginner and veteran. “We would like to stress that these events are completely non-profit. It’s merely to have a meeting place for people passionate about any form of art and inspire new creations,” adds Varshita. The first meet showcased intriguing works of photographers like Kamal Chilaka and Madhavan Palanisamy; handpicked bites based on The Spoken Word theme from Kipling Café, Gossip Bistro and Padma of Infinite Indulgence; an interesting line-up of about 20 performers, including Orlando Ambrose, Vertigo, Nikhita Gandhi, rapper Ahdi Khalili, Ryan, Undercovers to The Speak Easy Poets, performing a mix of rock, pop, fusion, rap and indie music. The event that went on till 3 am also witnessed the band The Speakeasy Poets perform a special version of the national anthem when the clock struck 12 midnight on August 15.
The Spoken Word will also raise money at these gatherings to fund a child who may have a passion for art or music. “One of our main aims is also to help underprivileged children, many of whom are extremely talented, but restricted due to financial constraints. So, this platform will also serve as an avenue to do our bit for the less privileged by funding their education, basic needs and more,” explains Varshita.
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