To have not eaten for 11 years

What does that feel like? In a bilingual play that premieres in the city tonight, theatre activist Ojas SV plays Manipur's Iron Lady, Irom Sharmila, who hasn't eaten a grain since 2000 in protest against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958

It's a hunger strike like any other. Except this one refuses to end. In 2000, Irom Sharmila Chanu from Manipur decided to fast unto death when she demanded that the Indian government repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in an effort to put an end to the slaughter of innocent Manipuris.

A file photo of Nobel Peace Prize 2005 nominee Irom Chanu Sharmila
taken on Irom taken on October 6, 2006 shows her surrounded by her
supporters at a hunger strike protest in New Delhi. On November 2, 2010
Sharmila completed a ten-year strike demanding the repeal of the Armed
Forces Special Powers Act, and alleged lawlessness, rape, murder, army
excess, arbitrary detention, torture and repression in Manipur. Pic/ AFP Photo

Over a decade later, 38 year-old Sharmila continues her fast hoping her plea will be considered. Sharmila's determination has touched the lives of many including Pune-based theatre activist Ojas SV, who brings to Bengaluru Ley Mashale (a woman with a torch), a travelling Hindi-English play.

Based on the original Malayalam play, Meira Paibi by well-known writer and activist Chandran, Ley Mashale is a soliloquy. Ojas as Irom Sharmila, narrates the fate of women in the north-eastern part of India. "Sharmila's fight is not only about the Manipuris. It concerns the whole of India. If she fails in her struggle, democracy will be threatened," says Ojas in a telephonic interview.

With a stirring story that's strong enough to stand on its own without the crutches of make-up and costume, the play will see Ojas dress in the phanek, the traditional Manipuri skirt, wearing no make-up. Speaking to the audience directly, Ojas will relate statements that Sharmila has made in public over the last decade.

The play gets its title from Ley Mashale Chal Rahe Hain, a song that's a common anthem in various north Indian movements. The title is relevant, Ojas believes, since it speaks of Sharmila and her women supporters' marches against atrocities by the Indian army and para-military forces, across the streets of Manipur, carrying flaming torches.

With a powerful script, Ley Mashale, says Ojas, depicts the neglect of north-east India, using true life incident, and murky reality of murder.

"The idea is to create a debate, stirring up an exchange between the one on stage and hose seated in the auditorium. I hope to raise questions on nationality and democracy," says Ojas about her decision to stick third theatre, a format that uses no makeup, music or sets.

At: Carmel College, Vasanthnagar (February 2, 2.30 pm).u00a0 St Joseph's Arts and Science (February 2, 1 pm). Ulsoor Lake (February 2, 6 pm)
Call: 9448367627 for details

Irom sharmila
The Iron Lady Of Manipur, Irom Sharmila, a poet and an activist was born on March 14, 1972. On November 1, 2000 at Malom, Imphal, 10 people were gunned down by a paramilitary force. In reaction to the incident, Sharmila went on a hunger strike on November 6, demanding that the Indian government repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

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