Postcards from Colaba: Styled like a heritage walk, this 90-minute play by Vikram Phukan looks at SoBo’s queer past

First premiered in January last year, the seeds for this performance piece were sowed when Phukan served as a dramaturg on an Indo-US queer-themed project titled ‘Even Mists Have Silver Linings.’ It was during this project that he revisited an old article he had authored about the landmarks in South Mumbai that once formed the underground gay scene in the 1980s. Based on that article, he took the actors on a sensitisation exercise in Colaba, similar to a treasure hunt, where they had to spot the locations, and he would tell them the queer history associated with it.

Through emotionally charged verses, Phukan and his team unearth the hidden complexities of this vibrant area. (Photo courtesy: Special Arrangement/Harsh Shah)

At that time, some suggested it could become a regular event, but I wasn’t inclined to take on the role of a guide. It was then that I conceived the idea of involving actors as collaborators. Thus, rather than a mere walk, it evolved into a promenade performance,” he shared.

When asked about the stories and characters featured in the play, he explained that some are based on historical figures like the filmmaker Riyad Vinci Wadia and the theatre personality Sultan Bobby Padamsee. “The personal stories had to be reconfigured and anonymised, and sometimes stories were merged,” said Phukan, adding, “I aimed to stay true to the essence of the original stories shared in confidence. Then, the actors took over, bringing in their own personalities and interpretations.”

The performance is imbued with legendary events, such as Wadia’s groundbreaking work on the short film BOMgAY (1996), potentially India’s first gay-themed movie. (Photo courtesy: Special Arrangement/Harsh Shah)

The performance is imbued with legendary events, such as Wadia’s groundbreaking work on the short film BOMgAY (1996), potentially India’s first gay-themed movie. It also incorporates cultural subtext, shedding light on landmarks once revered as queer hotspots. “These elements hold significant importance in terms of queer representation and visibility, as evidenced by the responses we’ve received from queer audiences who are deeply moved by the material,” noted Phukan. He added that while most of their audience may not identify as queer, they still engage with the content in diverse ways, reflecting a strand of universality. “For some, it’s a pleasant outing filled with bittersweet stories, while for others, it may carry a more radical significance. We’ve tried not to wear these preoccupations of identity on our sleeves, so to say, but tried to present it subtly,” he shared.

The 90-minute piece has evolved over time, transitioning from an English play to a bilingual production featuring select scenes performed in Hindi. Furthermore, the director is actively striving to enhance inclusivity. “I’ve reconfigured certain scenes to involve more female or non-binary actors, though it’s still a work in progress,” he explained.

On May 29 and May 30. For tickets and information, visit https://bit.ly/3Tcm2QE

The writer is an intern with The Indian Express