TAPAC

Rudali

 presents

Prayas presents  RUDALI – The Mourner

In the small village of Tohri – somewhere in India – powerful men exploit women – the wife, the neighbour and the local prostitute. To some it is destiny and caste, but not to Sanichari, the strong central character in an exciting new English language play from Prayas. Sanichari is mother in law to a beautiful and feisty woman who certainly does not accept her place or fate and sets out to defy the village rules. Around them in the village are a host of lively characters, from caring and conniving neighbours, a long lost friend, the comic village priest, ruthless landlords, some brazen prostitutes and a wickedly endearing old nag. Together, they weave a story of friendship, treachery, greed, lust and duplicity around the unusual business of ‘‘Rudali’’ a professional female mourner. There are places in India – Tohri is one – where women of a lower caste are hired as mourners upon the death of rich upper-caste males. A Rudali (rou-daali) is paid to grieve aloud publicly so the family of the dead retain their upper caste dignity befitting their social status.

Jointly directed by Amit Ohdedar, Prayas and Margaret Mary Hollins, TAPAC, Rudali-The Mourner will showcase Indian folk music with a live orchestra, colourful dances and a vibrant village carnival.
Rudali- The Mourner, based on a story by Mahasweta Devi,  will be staged at TAPAC, 100 Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland from May 18 to 27, 2012

Not recommended for children. Contains adult themes and offensive language

Dates:

Fri 18th May 7.30pm
Sat 19th May 7.30pm
Sun 20th May 4pm
Thur 24th May 7.30pm
Fri 25th May 7.30pm
Sat 26th May 6pm
Sun 27th May 4pm

Tickets:

Adult $30.00
Concession $20.00
Student (with valid ID) $20
Groups of 4 or more $25

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