Turning Tables

And it’s not just the drunk girl scene that’s been switched in the play. Tired of all the talk around objectification of women in the media and arts,and the fuss about gender divide in India,Siddiqui wanted to write a play that would set things right. “Women are either labelled as extreme feminists,or as victims; there is no middle ground where we can just enjoy being what we are. Despite all the fuss about objectification about women,we enjoy it. The point is not to stop objectifying women,but to start objectifying men too. This play is going to turn the tables,” she says.

The play’s central character,played by Gillian Pinto,is of a young woman who has been commissioned by a gay psychologist to research and confirm his theories about heterosexual men. So she begins dating three guys and writes her observations about them in a blog. “She finds guys who fit three stereotypes — the jock,the clumsy joker and the best friend — and writes everything about them,their insecurities,how they are in bed. None of the boys know about each other or that she is blogging about them. Until one day,they all turn up at her house,” says Siddiqui. Fittingly,the play’s tagline is “the ultimate romcon”.

“Usually stories are told from the male point of view. This story,however,will be from the girl’s point of view. She dates these guys and enjoys it,but not out of sadistic pleasure; she simply enjoys the pleasures of being a woman and dating. How often do we get to see that? Most people would call her a character-less woman,” she says.

This time,it is the boys who will be explored physically and emotionally,she says. The male characters are going to be portrayed the way we see our boyfriends and husbands. Movies don’t show it but boys throw tantrums like it’s nobody’s business. Of course,the play will also explore how the boys feel hurt,” she says.

The play is still in the production stage,and the group has launched a crowdfunding page on Wishberry.in to fund their performances. “Art is created for community. People need art and the artistes need to create. But no one wants to give money to the arts. We are hoping people will step in,take initiative and support us. Every little helps,” says Siddiqui.

The group has another 25 days to collect Rs 1,75,000 before the crowdfunding request expires. They will also host a fundraiser at Malaka Spice on July 24 and 25,with teaser acts from the play as well as merchandise. They hope to collect enough money to stage several performances in Pune and other places.