Gender role play

Based on Devdutt Pattanaik’s book, The Pregnant King, Ila, an English play explores the grey areas of masculinity and femininity and questions what it means to be a woman and who defines manhood

Jointly directed by Puja Swarup and Sheena Khalid, Ila, an English play, looks at gender and myths and dilemmas related to it through a staged act.

Staging of Ila

With ever-changing landscapes (sometimes, in ancient lands and at other times, in the local trains of Mumbai) as well as leaps in time frames, the play promises to take the audience through a provocative, playful and exciting journey by revealing the grey areas of masculinity and femininity.

The 70-minute-long play has been produced by Patchworks theatre and is based on Devdutt Pattanaik’s book, The Pregnant King.

Shedding light on the theme of the play, Swarup explains, “The play is about a king (Ila) who ventures into an enchanted forest, and is transformed by a spell.

The Pregnant King

As the moon waxes and wanes, so does Ila, as he turns from man to woman, and back to man. This is her/his story as she/he tries to come to terms with her/his gender and the effect it has on her/his world.” The cast for the play includes Ameya Mehta, Mukti Mohan, Bhavni Pani and Mukul Chadda, among others.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!