Q&A with Swathilakshmi Perumal

Swathilakshmi Perumal is an actor and theatre-maker from Tamil Nadu, India. Swathi holds a Master of Arts in English Literature. During her studies, she developed an interest in theatre and went on to pursue a Diploma in Acting (Folk and Traditional Forms) from the National School of Drama, Bangalore, India. Swathi has also trained in Bharatanatyam and several other South Indian forms such as Yakshagana, Kalaripayattu, Dollu, Parai, Mudiyettu and more. Her interest in bridging traditional forms and contemporary theatre led her to ITI.

Her notable works include Mallegalalli Madumagalu (a nine-hour play, 2020); Uuru Bhanga (Yakshagana dance-drama, 2019); Kariya Devara Huduki (2019); Beral Ge Koral (2019); The Duchess of Malfi (2018) and Hamlet (2017). In Singapore, she was a stage manager and lighting designer for Romei (2022), a collaborative work with six ITI alumni at 42 Waterloo Street.

After graduation, she intends to write, act and direct works that are interdisciplinary, multilingual and intercultural. She hopes to create art that gives voice to the voiceless.

Swathi is a beneficiary of the Möbius Fund.

What were you doing before coming to ITI?

I was pursuing my one-year Diploma in Acting (Folk and Traditional Forms) at the National School of Drama (NSD) in Bangalore. 

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

I heard about ITI through a few of my teachers and classmates at NSD. Even though I wasn’t sure if I wanted to commit for three whole years for studies at the age of 24, I was fully convinced when I went through the ITI website and read about the curriculum offered. Even though I had learnt a few folk and traditional forms at different periods of time at NSD and found them rich and abundant, I lacked the one main prospect as an actor at this time. And that was the understanding and technique required to translate the skills/methods/essence learnt in traditional/folk forms into contemporary stage. That’s what I wanted, that’s what ITI offered and so I flew to Singapore and, voila, here I am graduating three years after! 

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

I remember two things.

Body memory: I remember wearing shorts and shivering under the aircon in Studio 3 as new faces from across the globe sat in a circle and introduced themselves. Never wore shorts again.

Auditory memory: Simon Stollery, our Voice teacher, was sitting across me and he said, “Sometimes, in life, we find ourselves in the right place at the right time”. It resonated with me. And I held that close to my heart. I kept reminding myself that I was here because I needed to be here at this point. Every time things got tough. Hard. Not so easy. Life brought you here for a reason.

What is it like to train here at ITI?

The training at ITI is hard. In the three years of training, I’ve learnt a lot but I’ve also felt heart-broken, cried a lot, got angry at myself and the world, crumbled down and tried to reconstruct myself several times. But in the end, it was all about learning to be compassionate to myself; and through that, be compassionate to others. It’s good to fail and make mistakes - the best lessons are learnt that way.

Some reflections from training include the need to play, to experiment, to offer, to listen, to be observant, to be patient, to be flexible, to speak my mind, to question myself and be open. But most of all, learning to unlearn and relearn.

The training at ITI is holistic and complete. It helped me recognise and accept my strengths, weaknesses and limits. It equipped me with tools and techniques. It gave me more clarity in understanding where I came from, where I am now and where I need to go from here. On the whole, the training has made me grounded as a person.

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

My classmates and I will be united by one thing: our love for Art!

I have learned a lot in these studios from their rich imaginations, distinct sense of humour, varied body vocabularies, knowledge of theatre, unique problem solving methods, perseverance, discipline, patience, strengths, mistakes and shortcomings.

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

1. Life at ITI is quite repetitive. We learn several forms, but it’s never about their external structure. It’s about unveiling the structure to understand the principles and essence behind them, which can only be embodied through repetitive practice. So, every module to another. Repetition after repetition. But it gets better. And you’ll realise things are getting better. You catch yourself getting better. Those realisations are the most memorable for me. I cherish them. So, endless meaningful repetitions. A language that we at ITI share. 

2. The ritual of sitting down with Uncle Chan every afternoon after lunch. Always music in the background. No necessity to talk or engage. That is what I will miss the most after ITI.

The training at ITI is holistic and complete. It helped me recognise and accept my strengths, weaknesses and limits. It equipped me with tools and techniques. It gave me more clarity in understanding where I came from, where I am now and where I need to go from here. On the whole, the training has made me grounded as a person.  

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

First, be a good person. That’s what will make you a better actor. That’s what Sasi has told us. And I couldn’t agree more. Second, to quote from the Noh readings Sasi gave us in class, “What you see in a Noh actor, is just the tip of an iceberg”. The amount of work an actor is doing while performing is hidden inside, underneath — like the bulk of the iceberg. ITI has trained me in various techniques for the hidden bulk inside. I only hope to apply myself well, when I step out of here. So, I guess an actor needs to be a good person and a big hidden iceberg! 

What are your plans after graduation?

I am running into uncertainty. It’s a bit overwhelming but I’m excited nonetheless. Whatever awaits me in the future, I wish this: I wish to continue to live my life as an artist. I wish to surrender to my practice. I wish to deepen my process. I hope to continue to move, sing, explore, experiment, play, write, dance, act and be vulnerable. I wish to be humble and I wish to share and give back to the world as much as I can. 

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

Always carry your umbrella. 
It’ll be hard, but you’ll love it, at least some parts of it! 
Remember to be kind to yourself! 
Good luck! 

Is there anyone you'd like to thank?

I would like to thank Sasi from the bottom of my heart for letting me be a part of the ITI community. It has been a life-altering experience. I would like to thank my teachers and other faculty members: Simon, Li Xie, Wan Ching, Chin Huat, Karen, Shifu Pern Yiau, Andy, Alessandra, Kenny, Guillermo, Aarne, Jean and my master teachers of the traditional forms for their immersive teaching experience. Thanks to everyone in the Administration for all your support. And my lovely seniors Oliver Wu Son Kit, Sonu Pilania and Rhian Hiew for your continued moral support.

Profile photo by Bernie Ng