Vadodara witnessed a mesmerizing celebration of queer love and companionship through an 80-minute play titled ‘Be-Loved.’ Presented by Mumbai’s Tamaasha Theatre, the production took place at the Rosary School auditorium on Friday evening. The event was hosted by the Vadodara-based Vikalp Women’s Group and Saathii from Chennai. Directed by Sapan Saran, the play expertly combined satire, music, poetry, and movement to explore the multi-faceted aspects of queer relationships.
Unlike many narratives that focus on marginalization, ‘Be-Loved’ aimed to cherish queerness, love, and life. It filled the stage with various elements of storytelling, captivating the audience with its vibrant and heartfelt depiction of queer experiences. The play drew inspiration from the works of 17 talented artists and writers, including the late Bhupen Khakhar, renowned poet Josh Malihabadi, and committed gay rights activist Saleem Kidwai.
The cast ingeniously utilized historical texts, literary excerpts, and personal accounts to craft a narrative that portrayed the intricacies of queer love. Notably, contributions from Bhupen Khakhar and Maya Sharma played significant roles in the play’s creation. Khakar’s text and one of Sharma’s stories from her book ‘Loving Women: Being Lesbian in Underprivileged India’ were interwoven to form a seamless and poignant narrative. Published in 2006, Sharma’s book sheds light on the lives of lesbian women in rural and underprivileged India.
Sharma, who is a trustee of the Vikalp Women’s Group and actively involved in their work addressing women’s issues within the queer community, has recently released another book titled ‘Footprints of a Queer History: Life Stories from Gujarat.’ This latest publication recounts the inspiring journeys of LGBTQIA+ women that Sharma encountered during her engagement with the Vikalp Women’s Group. The book showcases empowering stories that amplify the visibility and experiences of marginalized individuals within the queer community.
The staging of ‘Be-Loved’ in Vadodara exemplifies the growing recognition and celebration of diversity and inclusivity within Indian society. By bringing queer stories to the forefront, the play challenges norms and promotes acceptance, understanding, and empathy. The audience was treated to a remarkable performance that resonated deeply, leaving them with a renewed perspective on love, companionship, and the beauty of queer relationships.
The play’s success shines a light on the significance of continued efforts to create spaces for marginalized communities to express themselves. It not only entertained but also reminded spectators of the importance of embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive society.
Through ‘Be-Loved,’ the Tamaasha Theatre, the Vikalp Women’s Group, and Saathii have contributed to the ongoing dialogue on queer rights and representation in India. The artistic collaboration has successfully highlighted the stories and struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, providing a platform for their voices to be heard and celebrated.
This thought-provoking theatrical production serves as a reminder that love knows no boundaries and that everyone deserves to be loved and respected for who they are. ‘Be-Loved’ has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Vadodara, inspiring audiences to embrace love, acceptance, and inclusivity in all facets of life.
