Studio Tamasha and Gaysi Family Illuminate Pride Month with Vivid Celebration of Queer Love
Mumbai, India — In a spectacular celebration of Pride Month, Studio Tamasha and Gaysi Family collaborated to host an evening of vibrant colors and unparalleled enthusiasm at the illustrious Royal Opera House on Wednesday. The centerpiece of the event, organized in conjunction with Future Generali India Insurance Company, was a captivating play titled "Be-Loved."
A Kaleidoscope of Queer Narratives
Helmed by Sapan Saran, co-founder of Studio Tamasha, "Be-Loved" is a magnificent theatrical experience drawing inspiration from powerful queer literature and historical narratives. The production weaves a rich tapestry of music, poetry, and movement to explore the manifold dimensions of queer love.
In an insight into the thematic essence of the event, Saran revealed, "Mohini, Ila, Narad, Agni, Shikhandi, Saamb, Budh gruh, Bhagiratha — Indian mythology is replete with queer characters and stories. However, the history of proscenium theatre is deeply intertwined with our colonial past, where censorship and colonial ideologies entrenched a heterosexual framework. In contrast, traditional forms of Indian theatre have always been paired closely with mythology."
A Historical and Literary Perspective
The powerful 80-minute production featured contributions from acclaimed writers such as Aditi Angiras, Dhiren Borisa, Madhavi Menon, Nikhita Singh, Sapan Saran, and Utkarsh Mazumdar. The narrative arc traversed significant milestones in queer history, from the turbulent legal battles of the late 1950s to lighthearted explorations of love, monogamy, and relationships.
Adding a fresh and amusing twist, the play incorporated satirical renditions of popular "item songs" like "Sheila Ki Jawaani," enriching the musical performances. Additionally, slam poetry by the writer-contributors resonated deeply with the youthful audience, offering a blend of humor and poignancy.
Voices of the Performers
One of the performers, Mx. Siaan, a drag artist, shared their personal connection with the storyline, saying, "As a drag artist and performer, many aspects of the play deeply resonated with my lived experiences. The objective is to present diverse narratives in an unfiltered manner."
Ojaswi, another performer, elaborated, "Together, we as performers are metaphorically a patchwork of queer ideas in India. We hail from different backgrounds and hold various interpretations of queerness. Ultimately, we embody the essence of ‘be-loved.’"
This celebration of love, diversity, and acceptance mirrored the ongoing struggle and triumphs within the LGBTQ+ community, blending past and present triumphantly to honor Pride Month.
The Indian Express
