11 March,2014 08:58 AM IST | | Kanika Sharma
Eve Ensler's Emotional Creature is a play that will urge you to look around and understand the plight of women as an eye-opener
"I am an emotional creature. I am connected to everything and everyone. I was born like that." These lines by the award-winning playwright Eve Ensler compel one to realise the power of women. Celebrating womanhood and condemning acts of violence against them, Ensler's play, I am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls All Over The World has created a storm across stages worldwide.
The actors reflect on the tempo during a rehearsal with director, Mahabanoo Mody Kotwal (right)
"The play spans various stories from India, China, Bulgaria, etc," informs director Mahabanoo Mody Kotwal, admitting, "The script was extremely challenging as it had stories of real girls barely out of their teens or in their teens, who'd faced violence." She says the play highlights unreported stories, which should be spoken about.
The play's choreography has been done by Longinus. Pics/Nimesh Dave
She cites the example of the Democratic Republic of Congo. "There, tribes are being completely destroyed for the land (that is rich in minerals) as most women and children as young as three and four, were raped and killed," rues Kotwal. It is considered the largest genocide since the Second World War.
Directed with her son, Kaizad Kotwal, she speaks of the urgency to tell such stories. "Ensler, in this play, has especially written pieces for India," she shares. Gulabi Gang is one. She shares that Indians have become more vocal now.
Interspersed with elements of music and dance, the choreographer Longinus (of Slumdog Millionaire and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2) has given an interesting rhythm to the play. The cast was chosen after auditioning 50 women and includes two 14-year-old girls from JB Petit High School.
Speaking of the girls' apprehension, Kotwal refutes by saying, "They were hardly nervous. It was we who were wondering about the parents' sanction but we assured them that they would be becoming role models for their age group as they embody innocence in the play." Kotwal believes that the play will be an eye-opener, giving the example of the German-made Barbie doll that was originally intended as a sex toy called Bild Lilli.
On: March 15, 7 pm
At: Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.
Call: 22824567
