A play with a difference

Homosexuality, though discussed much now, is still a subject of great hush-hush. In this season of elections and IPL, watching a play on a different topic was heart-warming. The play was all about the angst and isolation that the gay community faces.

CJ: Joydeep Hazarika

Sun, Apr 19, 2009 04:33:52 IST

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ON THE evening of April 15, the Friends Group of Jamia Millia Islamia performed a street play at the Delhi Haat. The play titled Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya? was based on homosexuality and gay rights. The group consisted of students of AJK Mass Communication Research Centre of Jamia Millia Islamia.

Watching the play was a refreshing experience as it touched on a topic which is talked about behind closed doors. Homosexuality, though discussed much now, is still a subject of great hush-hush. In this season of elections and IPL, watching a play on a different topic was surely heart-warming.

The play was all about showing the angst and isolation that the people of the gay community face. The play was presented on different levels which showed ostracism from family and society and how it drives the victims to extreme acts. Also noticeable were some sequences in the play where some really serious aspects of gay discrimination were shown. For example, the plight of a gay AIDS patient, the harassment of gay couples by the police and suicides committed by such people. Every aspect was shown in stark reality. And each time a question was raised. Why do they have to face this?

Afroz Alam Sahil, who was part of the play, said that the purpose of the play is to make the voices of these people heard. He further says that the play does not pass any judgment. It is more of a case study of the actual incidents and shows the tribulations that the homosexuals have to undergo in our country.

At a time when gay pride parades are coming out and people are talking of scraping Article 377 which criminalises homosexuality in India, this play reminds us that there are issues which we simply cannot ignore. However gross people might find them, we have to sit back and take notice of them.

The play did succeed in shocking the spectators with its bold theme. As the play progressed, I could notice that people had shocked expressions on their faces. And there was dead silence throughout.

The play also evoked some reactions from the moral police. The Republican Party of India (RPI) staged a demonstration in front of AJK MCRC in Jamia on April 16 protesting against the staging of this play. This is just another instance when the so-called moral police leaves no stone unturned in silencing those who raise such issues deemed unfit in a ‘sane’ society. On top of that, the Urdu daily, Humara Samaj, published an editorial condemning the staging of this play. They even criticised Jamia University for giving permission to go ahead with this play and also accused Jamia of damaging the image of Islamic culture.

But the performers of the play are unfazed because they believe they have dealt with a legitimate topic. And it is this attitude that reminds us of the fact that democracy is all about expressing oneself in spite of all opposition.

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