shot-button
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi
Home > Mumbai Guide News > Things To Do News > Article > Discourse through drama

Discourse through drama

Updated on: 26 February,2021 09:00 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Sukanya Datta |

An online theatre performance aims to spark off a conversation on sexual violence, consent, justice and our personal predicaments

Discourse through drama

Allegedly has an ensemble cast of 16 womxn actors

Nearly two and a half years ago, publishing house Zubaan had undertaken research on sexual violence and impunity. In order to open up a dialogue on this research with the public, particularly students of law and medicine, they commissioned a series of art performances, out of which, Allegedly, a theatre piece by Delhi-based theatre artiste Mallika Taneja, was born. Although originally conceived as a live performance, the production has taken on a virtual avatar, with a show coming up this weekend.


Taneja tells us that the Zoom performance, which brings together 16 womxn [an inclusive term that refers to anyone who  identifies as a woman] actors from across India, seeks to strike up a conversation on legality, believability, consent and memory surrounding sexual violence. She shares that she had initially designed the play as a tête-à-tête between two friends. “We were in talks to perform the play in Europe in collaboration with two theatre platforms, Beursschouwburg Brussels and Kunstencentrum Vooruit Ghent, but then the pandemic struck. We tried turning it into a video installation, but after successive lockdowns in Europe, we decided to change the form,” she adds.


Mallika Taneja. Pic/Camila SvensonMallika Taneja. Pic/Camila Svenson


Allegedly’s plot revolves around a case of sexual violence involving non-consensual removal of condom by a man — an act broadly termed stealthing. “In the play, the primary conversation is between two friends discussing the case. The next layer is in the form of a chorus which talks about a number of issues embedded in the realm of sexual violence. The third layer of conversation is with the audience, where we ask them questions through the Zoom poll,” the 
director explains.  

This format has allowed the team to realise how common sexual violence is. “There’s something sad and strong in this realisation,” she notes. The show, thus, also ends up highlighting the complex character of solidarity — an important aspect of the post #MeToo world. “A question we are often asked is how to get cis-het men, or rather the ‘other side’ to reflect on these issues. The play doesn’t seek to answer all these questions at once, but get people talking to have a dialogue,” Taneja signs off.   

On February 28 and March 7, 8.30 pm; March 13, 10.30 pm
Log on to khoyapaaya.stores.instamojo.com 
Cost Rs 100

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


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK