Winds of change

The play is based on Aristophanes’ Greek classic,Lysistrata,about two warring tribes led by chauvinistic rulers. Fed up with the regime of war and violence perpetuated by men in a patriarchal social set-up,the women of both tribes decide to take act and assume control of affairs.

The directors’ effort to introduce an element of comic into a feminist and anti-war play proved to be a challenge. “Underneath the laughter is a dire situation — the destructive nature of war as an extension of the destructive nature of patriarchy. We felt that all women desire to end war and so our women take control,denying men both money and conjugal rights to frustrate them and make them see sense,” explains co-director AnwerJafri.

Kermani and Jafri are part of the Pakistan-based Tehrik-e-Niswan (Women’s Movement),a cultural action group,which often travels to India to participate in theatre festivals and has staged plays written by Indian playwrights. “Unfortunately,there are not many theatre groups in Pakistan and so our role becomes even more important,’’ remarks Jafri.

Kermani says they wanted to push boundaries and comment on society,even at the cost of ruffling feathers and making people uncomfortable,as the play has done in Pakistan. “My cast is willing to take the risk with me,” she adds.

Kermani formed Tehrik-e-Niswan in 1979 to work for women’s development through theatre and cultural work. Despite many odds,they have been able to establish theatre as a serious means of expression,reaching out to a wide audience without government support. “There are only two women directors in Pakistan,one of them being me. Our group has more than 50 performances,many of which are landmarks in the history of theatre in Pakistan. The effort is to create awareness,sensitise people and promote peace all around,” she sums up.