On the 25^th of February, the American Center presented ‘Breaking the Silence’, a unique and captivating performative storytelling ensemble. The presentation comprised series of theatrical performances on various societal issues, with a pervasive theme of gender biases that ultimately oppress women.

Merging all disciplines of art, a series of skits, mimes, dances, songs and compelling narratives, the larger group of artists effectively communicated to its audience the present condition of women and the profound degree of abuse they encounter daily.

 Social evils such as child marriage, polygamy, and domestic violence towards women, child sexual abuse, and sexual assault were depicted through variant forms of performing arts. This was done by referring to great women from Indian mythology who suffered due to the cruelty of men, (such as Durga, Draupadi and Sita), using dance as a conduit of expression, as well as two magnificently enacted yet jarring skits on rape and child molestation. General evils such as the misleading nature of advertisements causing insecurities in self-image, and society’s condemnation of the persuasion of the arts, due to their backwardness were thrown light upon as well. There were some speeches on the travesty that is gender- directed crime, as well as a riveting satirical mime where men behaved like dogs, attracting one’s immediate attention.

Although all the performances seemed disjointed at first, they all ultimately blended together and enabled the audience to see the larger context that was the darkness of gender based crime and the harrowing lives of women who fall prey to such frightening forms of oppression. However, the performers did not spread negativity. There were positive endings to several performances − such as a girl learning karate and protecting herself against physical abuse and confinement imposed upon her by threatening and chauvinistic men.

The clairvoyance of the performers was evident and their avant-garde style was greatly appreciated. Being from various backgrounds, all artists did a brilliant job. They play ended with all artists forming a circle, hands joined and crying out in a manner to symbolize release and undying spirit, and breaking confinements but not remaining silent to any breach of justice.

On the 25^th of February, the American Center presented ‘Breaking the Silence’, a unique and captivating performative storytelling ensemble. The presentation comprised series of theatrical performances on various societal issues, with a pervasive theme of gender biases that ultimately oppress women.