Priya Varughese, a Kochi-based counselor-cum-endurance artist, crafts personalised poems for strangers struggling with grief.
Armed with a typewriter and a heart full of empathy, Priya Varughese aka Lady Lazarus has delved deep into the lives of over 600 strangers, offering solace through her healing poems. (Supplied)
In a world where new connections often seem fleeting and impersonal, endurance artist Priya Varughese, aka Lady Lazarus, has been defying the norm. Armed with a typewriter and a heart full of empathy, she has delved deep into the lives of over 600 strangers, offering solace through her healing poems.
On a video call, accompanied by her faithful feline companions, she listened intently as I poured out my personal experiences with grief. In return, she vulnerably shared her own, creating a safe space for our hearts to intertwine.
Priya ensures that people feel at ease, use their preferred language, and even pick a familiar space to share. (Supplied)
As the conversation unfolded, her nimble fingers danced across the typewriter keys, capturing the raw essence of our exchange.
When the final words were typed, she sent over a beautifully crafted piece — a reminder of our shared vulnerability.
This brief, long-distance virtual meeting revealed the power of earnest words, leaving us warm and fuzzy.
However, the desired effect isn’t new to Priya. She has been creating this impact on people across South India for four years now.
In a freewheeling chat with South First, she talks about stanzas of her life that have defined her.
Q. What inspired you to combine the art of listening with poetry?
A. In 2019, someone suggested I try busking but with a typewriter. The idea came naturally and I didn’t anticipate that people would be willing to talk to a stranger.
But I realised that poetry, though not everyone’s cup of tea, can have the desired effect when it’s relatable and comprehensible.
Poetry can be cathartic, just like conversations with someone. Art also serves as an outlet for expression. Combining all these elements, I found a way to merge listening and poetry.
Q. What has this process unveiled?
A. It allows me to show people their beauty and challenge the elitism often associated with poetry. I want them to realise their uniqueness and feel they’ve taken something away from our encounter.
I don’t want them to think they’ve burdened me; instead, I want them to know that we’ve created something together. It’s about holding space for each other and forming a connection through art.
Q. Why Lady Lazarus?
A. I love Sylvia Plath. Plath’s confessional style resonates deeply with me, evoking the rawness and honesty I seek to capture in my work.
The intensity of Plath’s Lady Lazarus remains etched in my mind, reminding me of the resilience required to rise again after personal struggles.
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Q. How do you create a safe space for people to share their personal stories with you?
A. Creating a comfortable environment is important. I ensure that people feel at ease, use their preferred language, and even pick a familiar space to share.
Minimising distractions is important, and so I request others not to hover around, even if they are friends (during events and festivals). I explain the process but without any pressure.
By opening up about my life, I build trust and convey that they won’t be singled out. I give them the space and time they need, and if they’re not ready, that’s okay too.
Q. How do you protect your emotional well-being while engaging with the intense experiences of others?
A. As a certified counsellor, I’ve learned to manage my emotional well-being. I schedule my work in a way that I have time to recharge. During those days, I prioritise self-care, like having good food, watching something funny, and getting enough sleep.
I don’t engage in any other conversations during that time. Once I feel rejuvenated, I open up emotionally and reflect on the experiences and emotions shared with me.
It’s a process that requires endurance and by taking breaks and allowing myself to feel, I maintain my mental and emotional resilience.
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Q. How has your degree in literature influenced your approach to writing poems based on personal stories?
A. I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Literature, both in India and the United Kingdom. It has greatly influenced my approach to writing poems.
Studying narratology and criticism taught me the desired effects certain words can have and how to build a narrative.
Understanding the nuances of language and words became crucial later in my counselling background. I realised the importance of using language effectively to create an impact.
Q. Are there any unique rewards for practising your artform in Kerala?
A. It’s had a positive impact on my work. People in Kerala are open to the genuineness of my intentions and willing to share their stories with a stranger. I am fortunate to have started my journey here.
I’ve conducted busking sessions in Chennai and Benglauru as well. People have been very welcoming, and the experience in the southern cities has been great so far.
Priya’s background in literature has influenced her approach to writing poems. (Supplied)
Q. Many artists face the challenge of being duly compensated, monetarily.
A. Organisers often expect artists to work for exposure or minimal compensation, especially if they don’t have a large following or social media presence.
This perspective can be discouraging for artists who dedicate their time and effort to their craft.
Lack of respect for artists’ work and inconsistent budgeting can make it difficult for them to sustain their careers.
Q. Tell us about your poetry collective, Oru Koottam?
A. We need more inclusive spaces where poets feel a sense of belonging and have the opportunity to share their work. In line with that, Oru Koottam is a poetry collective that I co-founded.
We hold these events once every two months in ambient cafes, creating a space where people can gather and listen to poetry in different languages.
Priya co-founded a poetry collective that organises book launches for new authors. (Supplied)
Additionally, we organise book launches for newly published authors. Although we started last year, we have already had five editions of the poetry event and one book launch.
Q. What are you looking forward to?
A. I believe conversations around mental health and vulnerability need to happen more frequently, and I hope to contribute to that through my poetry and initiatives.
Ultimately, I aspire to write as much as possible and have numerous opportunities to share my work and connect with others through poetry.
For words and poems, visit Instagram @thelastladylazarus and www.theladylazarus.com.
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