May 23 2024 to May 23 2024 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Main Tawaif is a presentation by Manjari Chaturvedi, under The Courtesan Project Series. 15 years in existence, the series is founded and conceptualised by Classical Dancer, Creator of Sufi Kathak, and Restorer of the Dance of Tawaifs, Manjari Chaturvedi. The Courtesan Project has become one of the most successful dance revival movements in today’s time. Giving a voice to the women and 100s of years of creative contribution to theatre, cinema and performing arts. This performance is an exploration of the gender dynamics within the arts, unveiling the pivotal influence of women performers – the enigmatic Tawaifs and Baijis – of North India from the 16th to the 20th century. The performance is set as an intimate mehfil performance of how the Tawaifs would perform in yesteryears. Their music, their stories, their dance enacted by a single performer. This is a bold statement that is needed to finally accord respect for the performance art of the Tawaif, to go beyond the drawing room sniggers and laughter associated with the word Tawaif, and to finally acknowledge their role in history.