Resistance | ചെ റുത്തുനില്പ് - Swaroopa Prameela Unni

Reviewed by Hannah Goodman

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Reviewer note/content warning: This review mentions domestic and sexual violence.

Resistance | ചെ റുത്തുനില്പ് , brought to the stage by Swaroopa Prameela Unni, is an exploration of women’s experiences of systemic oppression through the use of spoken word and dance. Thematically separated, the audience is witness to stories about caste violence, the effects of climate change, and domestic violence, exposing the burdens silently carried by many, and recognises the women who resist.

The choreographic roots of this performance lie in Mohiniyattam, a style indigenous to southern India (Kerala), with a history spanning centuries. This dance form was once banned under colonial rule for its association with promiscuity, and weaving it into a narrative about women’s rights and bodily autonomy was a powerful and considered choice. Post-ban, Mohiniyattam experienced a revival with changes carried into the 21st century, and Resistance | ചെ റുത്തുനില്പ് featured a further blending of traditional and modern aspects of choreography. The only performer on stage, Swaroopa, was graceful, yet strong, conveying a broad emotional repertoire to fit the multiple narratives unpacked during this 60-minute performance.

Held in the intimate venue of The Blue Room Theatre’s Kaos Room, the lighting (Nat Mijat) worked well with the small space, combined with an effective soundscape (Jyolsna Panicker, Sandeep Pillai) integrating a range of musical elements traditional to both Indian and Australian First Nations cultures. The limitations of a small space were partly overcome through the use of levels, with Swaroopa often moving quite close to the floor and rising above the audience on a stepladder. Despite the raked audience seating, being seated in the back row made it at times difficult to see certain parts performed closer to the floor, and I suspect those in the front row had difficulties seeing parts of the performance when the stepladder was used. This performance would benefit from a slightly larger space or perhaps a different seating arrangement for the audience.

It was hardly noticeable that someone was filling in for sound and lighting that evening, but due to some minor tech issues, it seems part of the performance was skipped over. I appreciated that Swaroopa concluded the show by taking the audience through this skipped section in a bit more detail, emphasising how important it was that she share this story with us.

Resistance | ചെ റുത്തുനില്പ് is an important part of The Blue Room’s 2025 season, and is centred on a topic that affects many – the performance concluding with projected images of women’s rights rallies globally and harrowing statistics regarding domestic and sexual violence in Australia. I could tell this performance is important to Swaroopa, and it was a privilege to witness the product of what appears to be years of careful thought and collaboration. Resistance | ചെ റുത്തുനില്പ് has finished its current run, but keep an eye out for future performances by Swaroopa.

Reviewer Note: Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.