Time-Bound Yet Time-Less: Performing Crip Time at Blind Opera and Anyadesh

This essay explores the multivalent ways in which disabled temporality is experienced and expressed in the performance practice of two Kol-kata-based blind-theatre groups Blind Opera and Anyadesh. Theatre practice at the groups performs two apparently paradoxical interven-tions within the blind/disabled temporal experience in the context of the Global South. First, in absence of other modes of temporal reifica-tion, it provides a unique opportunity to the blind members to own/structure time both individually and collectively, in meaningful ways. Secondly, it also anticipates a time beyond the quantifiable, clock-time of capitalist-productivity and able-nationalism-a time which invokes time-less visions of “crip-futurity.” This essay has been developed through a series of conversations with the current members of Anyadesh: Subhash Dey, Marjina Mistri, Shib Shankar Prasad Verma, Nabakumar Karmakar and artistic director at Anyadesh, Shubhashis Gangopadhyay.