Artistes to talk about genderism at event in Mumbai

Debate, discuss and break myths about genderism at an event where acclaimed artistes present their works

Devashish Makhija

We have carved a virtual world within our worlds, where talking about definitions that divide us comes easy. Why then, are topics like gender met with raised eyebrows when brought up in casual living-room conversations? And how real are such conversations on the Internet? Me and the Other is an event that attempts to bring genderism, sexism, feminism and the existing and non existing differences between men and women to the foreground with real people, through poetry, music, comedy and storytelling.

The event has been curated by Karan Talwar, 31, filmmaker and director of Harkat Studios, and will see acclaimed artistes from various disciplines presenting their works that give a fresh perspective to such themes. "We wished to have real dialogue about gender as a broader definition that affects everyone, and not confine it to terminologies like feminism or sexism" says Talwar.

Priyanka Charan

Priyanka Charan, a 30-year-old theatre artiste, writer and actor, will use poetry, spoken word, and letter-reading to pit the privileges enjoyed by each gender against the other through the reversal of gender roles. "I wanted to normalise the subject and present gender as an all-inclusive theme," she says.

The event will also explore a few feminist themes revisited by Sofia Ashraf, a content curator at Culture Machine and a rapper who has long been addressing the issue. Her Rap, Private Property, will reflect on the relationship between love and a girl's freedom. "I don't owe my freedom to my parents out of love, and it's not something to be thankful for if my parents are liberal. It's a right I'm entitled to," believes Ashraf.

Sofia Ashraf

Acclaimed filmmaker Devashish Mehta, of the full-length feature film Oonga fame; YouTuber Aranya Johar whose video A Brown Girl's Guide to Gender went viral; author and filmmaker Annie Zaidi whose documentary film, In her Words: The Journey of Indian Women, traces the struggles of women as reflected in their literature; and stand-up comic Shashank Mehta will present their works too. In addition, Sexonomics, which combines theatre and the spoken word to highlight social injustice, will be part of the event.

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