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Bawli Betiyaan: Defying Labels, Embracing Choices
31 Jan
Summary
- Play 'Bawli Betiyaan' showcases young women defying societal labels.
- It weaves stories from pre and post-Partition eras, highlighting defiance.
- The production uses music and movement on the 'Besharam Express'.
Award-winning artist Purva Naresh's play, 'Bawli Betiyaan,' offers a compelling narrative of young women confronting societal judgments. The production premiered at the Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival, resonating with audiences eager to hear untold stories of autonomy and choice.
The 90-minute play journeys through two distinct eras, pre and post-Partition. It features narratives of historical figures and contemporary women who have defied expectations. Examples include Gauhar Jaan's patriotism, Azizan Bai's sacrifice, and Iqbal Bano's courageous performance of a banned poem.
Contemporary stories from Shimli Basu and Charvi Ojha further illustrate the struggle against labels like 'besharam' and 'unladylike.' These women, by owning their choices and reclaiming derogatory terms, are rewriting societal scripts. The play uses music and movement on a metaphorical 'Besharam Express' to explore the complex concept of 'sharam' and the quiet rebellions it inspires.
