"I write for emotional release, and to unlock wisdom that lies hidden under pain" - Menaka Thomas from 'On The Horizon'
Meet Menaka Thomas, who is the lead singer and creative producer and director for the show On The Horizon. Menaka is a Brisbane-born singer and song-writer, writing songs that fuse her traditional Indian classical music roots with her contemporary viewpoints and influences.
Tell us about the show in 100 words or less
On The Horizon is an intimate journey of humanity through a sensitive blend of world music, theatre and Indian classical dance. Its narrative immerses us in the depths of the human struggle and then gently lifts us to the heights of hope.
The show feature original songs from Indian Fusion singer, Menaka Thomas. Menaka’s emotions are exemplified by the artistic expressions of Bindu Rajendren, an exquisite Indian Classical dancer. The crescendo of their combined energy is made even more palpable by the musical support of well-loved Brisbane musicians, Tsoof Baras (percussion), Meg Burstow (piano) and Evan Osborne (bass).
Anywhere Festival takes place anywhere but a theatre. Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?
The Moon Room is a black-box space, and sits a very intimate 50 seats in the audience. It allows the audience to experience our ‘world’ more closely. This space allows us to directly interact with the audience through our song and movement. It will even allow for spaces of song without amplification as the small can hold sound acoustically. This will add to the ‘rawness’ of the emotion in the songs.
What is your creative process like?
When I feel, I write. I write for emotional release, and to unlock wisdom that lies hidden under pain. It starts with a line or some words. I often wake with them in the early hours of the morning when my mind is clearer. Sometimes it has even come amid turmoil, when I get a glimpse of clarity in the “storm”. I then quickly record the line or inspiration on my phone and listen it over and over until more words and lyrics form. I then share these songs with my fellow musicians and they generously add the musical nuances to the pieces. I come from an Indian Classical musical background, so I often speak a different musical “language” to my fellow musicians. However, somehow, we connect and understand one another. The music then flows from there.
Tell us your origin story. How did your show start?
This production arose in the unprecedented year that was 2020. I felt a multitude of emotions and experiences, from my own individual struggle but also from the collective struggle of our society. I wrote songs to help me release and make sense of my emotions. I also wrote songs to tap into the wisdom that I sensed lay beneath pain.
In November 2020, BEMAC invited me to present a one hour show under tight COVID restrictions. I took this opportunity to develop On The Horizon, featuring the songs that I had written in my own head and home during the year. I have since evolved the production to fit more snugly with the immersive intention of the Anywhere Festival.
Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?
People who are interested in world music and culture. People who love to engage with deeper emotions and philosophy. Person who is connected to emotion, spirituality and cares about our world.
Is there anything else we simply MUST know about the show?
It is a one-night only production.
On The Horizon takes place as part of Anywhere Festival on Saturday 8th May at 6:00pm, in the Moon Room, Arcana.
