The gender debate has metamorphosed into a larger societal, political and cultural issue with an increasing number of women sharing their stories. Many organisations have been contributing to bring awareness about gender issues by hosting symposiums, meet-ups and other activities. The city’s popular theatre and cultural hub Ranga Shankara (RS) joins the milieu with EQUAL.
A biennial, EQUAL celebrates gender parity over three days. “It is the first time we are foraying into this space. In spite of a woman heading it, Ranga Shankara did not speak the language of gender so far. There’s a huge population of women who still need to be empowered and there is the LGBTQ community which nobody is taking cognizance of,” says Arundhati Nag, managing trustee, Ranga Shankara. She adds, “We thought this is a good time to speak about it. It’s the duty of theatre to spark public dialogue. The discourse has to begin.”
Invigorating minds
EQUAL begins with an opening address by popular activist and writer Vasanth Kannabiran who speaks on Imagining an Equal World. Day one is focused on gender stereotypes, particularly in the context of performing arts. Post the discussion, a Yakshagana performance, Chitrapata Ramayana, by Yakshagana Kendra, Udupi, will be staged. This will be followed by artist Shabnam Virmani’s mystic poetry session titled Heli Mhaari. Day two is dedicated to women at work. Deepa Dhanraj’s popular documentary Invoking Justice will be screened. The highlight of the day is The License, an English play, based on short stories by Saadat Hasan Manto and Bertold Brecht, directed by Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry of The Company theatre group from Chandigarh.
The last day delves into ‘a rainbow range of expressions of alternative genders and sexualities.’
The play of the day is Brhannala by Veenapani Chawla of Adishakti, Puducherry. It draws from the episode in the Mahabharata in which the exiled hero, Arjuna, spends a year in the guise of a woman.
Why EQUAL
As Ranga Shankara enters its 13th year of existence, “it’s taking responsibility,” says Arundhati, to bring about a change and create an impact. “We are saying, come on, we want an equal world. It’s not about women, it’s about men. We want a truly equal world and we are hoping the next festival, which will be in 2019, will be led by men. This is the beginning,” she signs off.
Begins today, 2 pm. At JP Nagar.
Entry free for discussions. Tickets (Rs 200) for plays on bookmyshow.com