Q&A with Abinaya Jothi

Abinaya Jothi is a theatre practitioner and dancer from Tamil Nadu, India. Her passion for the performing arts was ignited in 2013, during her time at PSG College of Arts and Science.

In her work with various theatre groups in Tamil Nadu, one of Abinaya’s performance highlights was taking part in the play Chandala (the Impure), a Tamil adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, in which she played multiple characters (2018). This performance travelled across India and to Europe for the 20th Bharath Rang Mahotsav, New Delhi (2019), Saarang Theatre Festival, Pune (2019), META Theatre Fest, New Delhi (2019) and Francophonie Festival in Limoges, France (2018). Recently, she wrote and performed a solo piece in Tamil titled Who is to be Sacrificed? as a part of Solo/Oray Aal, a production by Singapore Indian Theatre & Film Explorers (SITFE) that was staged at Esplanade Theatre Studio.

Her hope is to demonstrate theatre's ability to positively impact our world. She also hopes to encourage more women and children to explore the world of theatre, particularly those without access to formal education.

Abinaya is a recipient of a scholarship sponsored by a private philanthropist and a beneficiary of the Möbius Fund.

What were you doing before coming to ITI?

I was introduced to theatre during my college days when I was pursuing my master’s in plant biology and biotechnology. I was involved in street plays and small theatre shows during that time. I worked as an actor with various theatre companies in Pondicherry, Bangalore and Chennai after I finished college.

Tell us how you came to know of ITI. What made you choose to come here?

I was fortunate to work with ITI alumni Saran Jith and Ramassamy when I was in Tamil Nadu. They highly recommended ITI to me. When I visited the school's website, I was impressed by the unique and distinctive course details, unlike anything I had seen in any other acting school's curriculum. It just felt right, and I began to imagine what it would be like to join the school, even without knowing all the details. And here I am.

Think back to your first day here: what were some of your thoughts and emotions then?

I joined the school during the pandemic, so I had to quarantine before my official start date. Unfortunately, I contracted Covid during that quarantine period, which meant I couldn't join the school on the first day. I had to wait for more than a week before I started physical classes. I was attending all the classes on Zoom during quarantine. I remember feeling very nervous and excited but also a bit scared. When I started physical classes, I gradually became more at ease and was fully into the training.

What is it like to train here at ITI?

It can be emotionally challenging because you learn about yourself, even those aspects you might prefer to avoid. The school's schedule is demanding, with classes running from 8am to 6pm every day, except on weekends. This rigorous routine takes a toll on one mentally, physically and psychologically, leaving little space for personal reflection due to the constant learning demands. Despite the exhaustion, I've gained a wealth of knowledge, and it feels like my brain is at full capacity — you might feel you are crazy!

Any reflections on the experience of working with classmates from different countries?

I believe I've learned to appreciate differences, respect them and find connections through those differences. My classmates are incredibly diverse, coming from Sweden, Hong Kong, Singapore and India. These four cultures are vastly different, and when we come together, there's a wealth of differences that provide ample opportunities for learning. Before, I felt like I was in a shell, but getting to know people from different cultures, countries, languages, with unique characters and personalities, has been truly inspiring. I was excited to learn from these individuals, not only about acting but also about humanity, history, culture and their rituals. It's an incredibly interesting experience.

What are the most memorable experiences you’ve had at ITI?

I don't recall most of the incidents due to the overwhelming amount to absorb, but there's one particular moment that stayed in my memory. During my initial three months in school, I had a conversation with Sasi.

I opened up to him about my difficulties in communicating with others and my low self-esteem. He said “Don't worry about the world. Don't try to change for the world. Let the world change for you.” This advice significantly boosted my confidence but also left me contemplating a fundamental question: How can I improve if I don't change for the world or anyone else?

On another occasion, Sasi emphasised the importance of not remaining silent all the time. He advised me to know when to speak, as we can't expect the world to change for us in every aspect. Instead, he stressed the need to be willing to change ourselves to contribute to creating a better world, underscoring that change originates within us.

Initially, I found these concepts contradictory and confusing, but I later came to understand that it's about finding a balance in life. I'm still on a journey to discover that balance.

I believe I've learned to appreciate differences, respect them and find connections through those differences. My classmates are incredibly diverse ... when we come together, there's a wealth of differences that provide ample opportunities for learning. … getting to know people from different cultures, countries, languages, with unique characters and personalities, has been truly inspiring. I was excited to learn from these individuals, not only about acting but also about humanity, history, culture and their rituals. It's an incredibly interesting experience.

How has what you’ve learnt here shaped or changed you as an actor?

Certainly, I've acquired various acting techniques that have improved my skills as an actor. However, the influence of ITI and theatre on me extends beyond just enhancing my acting abilities. They haven't directly shown what I want, but they've provided guidance to help me discover my own path and, in the process, become a better human being. So, I'm currently on a journey along that path.

What are your plans after graduation?

I'm not entirely certain, but my initial plan is to take a break, perhaps a month or two, as three years of intense training has been quite overwhelming. During this break, I intend to apply to theatre companies in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. My goal is to work with children, teaching and introducing them to the world of theatre. I'll explore opportunities in children's theatre.

Additionally, I plan to delve into my FYiP (Final Year Individual Project) in detail and apply for festivals to showcase my work. These are some of my short-term goals. As for the long term, I aspire to establish my own theatre company. If I have the necessary equipment and courage, I may even consider launching it in the near future.

What would you say to a new student or someone considering joining ITI?

If you're genuinely dedicated to personal growth, self-discovery, and unlocking your full potential, ITI is the place for you. Embrace the opportunity to make mistakes and don't let the fear of failure hold you back, even in a challenging and overwhelming environment.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank?

I'd like to express my gratitude to a few people who played crucial roles in my journey. First and foremost, I want to thank my mother and Sasi for supporting my passion, even though my mother may not fully understand theatre. Her unwavering belief in me and Sasi's trust in me were invaluable.

Secondly, I'm grateful to all my sponsors and donors who made it possible for me to complete my three-year course at ITI. Their financial support was vital.

Thirdly, I appreciate my teachers and classmates for their significant influence on my personal development. They guided me, helping me open up and learn more about myself.

Lastly, I'd like to thank myself for staying determined and successfully completing the course.

 Profile photo and The Chair production shot by Bernie Ng