Sanichari has lost the ability to cry. How then, can she take on the job of a professional mourner?
Rudali - the Mourner is the story of Sanichari who has been surrounded by misfortune all her life. She is numb to misery - even the death of her beloved son doesn’t bring any tears…soon her daughter in law abandons her to become a whore.
While Sanichari is left with very little hope, she suddenly comes across a long lost friend who brings a new energy and purpose to her life
Rudali - the Mourner, the new English play from Prayas is a compelling, yet highly entertaining social drama. We take you to Tohri village in India where lower caste women are hired to wail upon the death of rich upper-caste males. While they beat their breasts in public, the family of the dead retain their upper caste dignity with silence.
Come to Tohri and meet a host of lively characters –the caring and conniving neighbours, a long lost friend, the comic village priest, ruthless landlords, brazen prostitutes and a wickedly endearing old nag. Together they weave a story of friendship, treachery, greed, lust and duplicity and of course the unusual ‘business’ of Rudali.
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
Bookings open now at www.tapac.org.nz or visit www.prayas.co.nz