A bold theatre production “Je Kotha Jayna Bola” portraying monologues of women was premiered at EMK Center on May 18. The performance was based on the real life experiences of women in rural and suburban areas, and features women actors speaking about aspects of their womanhood such as romance, sexual abuse, sexual pleasure, female genital mutilation and more. Directed by Naila Azad Nupur, the play is a production by Naripokkho and supported by EMK Center.
The play opens with six women whose mouths are sealed with tape. One by one, they remove the tape and talk about their sexual experiences from emotional, physical and societal perspectives.
Writer Sadaf Saaz Siddiqi’s monologues are excerpts of fifty case studies of women from different corners of Bangladesh.
With non-professional actors who came from outside Dhaka, the monologues read authentically, expressing the gamut of sexual desire, excitement, anxiety, disappointment and reactions to sexual abuse and harassment.
Konika’s story begins when she was twelve and got married to an unknown man. She explains her physical contact with her husband and narrates how much she hated the experience which was full of violence and abuse. The situation worsens after the birth of her two children, ultimately leading to separation. Eventually, Konika starts working in an NGO and there she meets colleague Manik and love blossoms. The actor narrates how Konika’s sexual life became complete as Manik treated her with respect.
A heart-rending story presents a girl of fourteen year old who got married to her cousin and her husband forced her to have sex with another man.
On the other hand, Mohua’s father-in-law sexually assaulted her, driving her to suicide.
Another anonymous girl was supported by her impotent husband to have sex with his friend. She cherishes the support she got from her husband, and also enjoys the physical intimacy with the other man.
The play ends with a story of same-sex relations which challenge social taboos.
The monologues break the silence imposed on abusive relationships by our society. Forced to cope with the terrible situation alone, oppressed by their men until their self-esteem and confidence are shattered, they begin to believe they deserve the torture. Each monologue describes the deprivation of intimacy and end on a note of fulfillment.
The performance will also be staged on the other parts of Bangladesh.
