Twee acteurs in kostuum uit een toneelstuk in India before 1865

Editor: This is a rather intriguing albumen print titled "Two actors in costume from a play in India", captured sometime before 1865 by Melville Clark. The faded sepia tones give it such a sense of history. What jumps out at you when you look at it? Curator: It feels like stumbling upon a forgotten stage, doesn't it? Those resolute figures seem caught between worlds - their dramatic attire hinting at a rich cultural narrative frozen in a fragile medium. Their elaborate costumes appear meticulously crafted, like shimmering mirages designed to carry the soul through epic stories, all amidst what looks like rather sparse set design. Don’t you almost hear faint echoes of music and the rustle of silks? Editor: Absolutely. The quality of the albumen makes them glow. There is definitely a sacred feel about it, what with them wearing religious garments, holding scrolls or books. What sort of cultural stories do you think these images might be alluding to? Curator: Perhaps tales of gods and heroes, morality plays intended to instruct, or perhaps, just pure unadulterated escapism from the daily grind. This era in Indian theater would have likely involved the whole community. Their performances were intended to create and sustain a unique cultural symbiosis, that only occurs through live storytelling. The challenge of working with photography instead of painting, when trying to capture movement, gesture and story. What do you imagine it took to produce something like this back then? Editor: Wow, that gives me a whole new appreciation for what’s being depicted. It seems very special when considering the history you presented! It is incredible to think about what might have inspired Melville Clark to travel all that way, only to photograph some old players in ancient theatrical garbs! Curator: Exactly. It is almost a relic, this seemingly humble piece. It gives us the stage and asks only for our eyes to come prepared with imaginations wide enough to see beyond the photographic medium!