Campbell Wright
For My Family, and Yours is a beautiful reflection on love and close familial relationships.
From the moment we enter Nautilus studio, Ravi the Poet is introducing himself to every audience member individually. Don’t let his soft voice fool you, Ravi is one of the most engaging performers I’ve ever seen with a guitar in hand.
From the moment we enter Nautilus studio, Ravi the Poet is introducing himself to every audience member individually. Don’t let his soft voice fool you, Ravi is one of the most engaging performers I’ve ever seen with a guitar in hand.
In his introduction, he states the goal of the show is to spark conversations about loved ones and the things that we’re grateful for. To achieve this we are invited throughout the show to share memories of family and childhood as inspired by Ravi’s music. He also reinforces that this is not explicitly family by blood, but “the people that make us soup”, and “work hard to lift us up”. Family, in this context, are those that give us their unconditional love.
With this introduction out of the way, Ravi launches into twelve songs that each reflect on family in various ways. He begins by singing about the family he wants to have and his fears of whether he can be the best parent to his children. Only a couple of songs into the performance, and a reflection on solo parenthood leaves audience members in tears - a piece Ravi describes as a love letter to parents who feel they don’t know what they’re doing but will always do their best.
The show is more of a musical performance than a theatrical show. Ravi wouldn’t be out of place playing the set at San Fran, although it does perhaps have more audience interaction than a traditional music set. Nevertheless it does make me wonder why Ravi is performing in the “theatre” space, at Fringe festivals throughout NZ, and not in the “music” space, where he may be able to attract a larger audience and following.
Ravi is not afraid to be deeply honest in his music, discussing not just his love for his family, but the complicated emotions that these close ties evoke. From jealousy of his sister, to acknowledging the pain that can be unintentionally inflicted on one another, Ravi shares the story of his family without holding back or presenting things under a perfect light. Families can be flawed and still hold so much love for one another.
A show that is so explicitly celebrative of your own family risks becoming incredibly self-indulgent. However, Ravi’s framing of the show is crucial for bringing us along on the journey. Not only do we share memories from our own families, but we are encouraged to write these down. After hearing a couple from tonight’s audience, Ravi then reads aloud some of the memories shared in the previous showing. These are a delight, and reframe the songs by encouraging us to reflect on our own experiences. While some songs will resonate significantly with some audience members more than others, I’m certain that there are moments for everyone to appreciate and connect to their own experiences.
The show runs 10 minutes over time, but I don’t care. Ravi has me rapt in his soft musical tones. Despite emotions running high at the climax of the performance, Ravi holds the audience gently. This matches his musical tone, soft movements of his guitar underpin his understated rap. I don’t think his musical style is for everybody, but if in doubt, you can always listen to his spotify (Ravi the Poet). Personally, it’s not a musical style that I normally listen to, and I would still recommend the show regardless of whether it matches your taste.
We are all left with a postcard thanking us for being a part of the show, but it’s what’s on the back that I am left ruminating on. In addition to the normal “To:”, the postcard also reads:
“Sending Love & Hugs”
“Who makes you smile?”
“Who deserves a thank you?”
“Who do you miss?”
And
“Who are you proud of?”
It’s an invitation to continue reflecting, even after the show has finished. A reminder to act on the emotions that Ravi has instilled in us throughout the evening. It is rare for a show to be good enough to make me think about it days later, it is even rarer for a show to make me act differently because of how it made me feel.
I think it’s about time I went and called my mother.
For My Family, and Yours will be on at Nelson Fringe on the 8th of March, and Dunedin Fringe from the 14th to the 16th of March.
With this introduction out of the way, Ravi launches into twelve songs that each reflect on family in various ways. He begins by singing about the family he wants to have and his fears of whether he can be the best parent to his children. Only a couple of songs into the performance, and a reflection on solo parenthood leaves audience members in tears - a piece Ravi describes as a love letter to parents who feel they don’t know what they’re doing but will always do their best.
The show is more of a musical performance than a theatrical show. Ravi wouldn’t be out of place playing the set at San Fran, although it does perhaps have more audience interaction than a traditional music set. Nevertheless it does make me wonder why Ravi is performing in the “theatre” space, at Fringe festivals throughout NZ, and not in the “music” space, where he may be able to attract a larger audience and following.
Ravi is not afraid to be deeply honest in his music, discussing not just his love for his family, but the complicated emotions that these close ties evoke. From jealousy of his sister, to acknowledging the pain that can be unintentionally inflicted on one another, Ravi shares the story of his family without holding back or presenting things under a perfect light. Families can be flawed and still hold so much love for one another.
A show that is so explicitly celebrative of your own family risks becoming incredibly self-indulgent. However, Ravi’s framing of the show is crucial for bringing us along on the journey. Not only do we share memories from our own families, but we are encouraged to write these down. After hearing a couple from tonight’s audience, Ravi then reads aloud some of the memories shared in the previous showing. These are a delight, and reframe the songs by encouraging us to reflect on our own experiences. While some songs will resonate significantly with some audience members more than others, I’m certain that there are moments for everyone to appreciate and connect to their own experiences.
The show runs 10 minutes over time, but I don’t care. Ravi has me rapt in his soft musical tones. Despite emotions running high at the climax of the performance, Ravi holds the audience gently. This matches his musical tone, soft movements of his guitar underpin his understated rap. I don’t think his musical style is for everybody, but if in doubt, you can always listen to his spotify (Ravi the Poet). Personally, it’s not a musical style that I normally listen to, and I would still recommend the show regardless of whether it matches your taste.
We are all left with a postcard thanking us for being a part of the show, but it’s what’s on the back that I am left ruminating on. In addition to the normal “To:”, the postcard also reads:
“Sending Love & Hugs”
“Who makes you smile?”
“Who deserves a thank you?”
“Who do you miss?”
And
“Who are you proud of?”
It’s an invitation to continue reflecting, even after the show has finished. A reminder to act on the emotions that Ravi has instilled in us throughout the evening. It is rare for a show to be good enough to make me think about it days later, it is even rarer for a show to make me act differently because of how it made me feel.
I think it’s about time I went and called my mother.
For My Family, and Yours will be on at Nelson Fringe on the 8th of March, and Dunedin Fringe from the 14th to the 16th of March.