Saving the girl child through street plays
Mujhe Jeene Do highlighted issues like female infanticide, rape, eve-teasing and domestic violence…….Anjali Donna Rego. Bandra
“We were born into an unjust society and we are determined not to leave as we have found it” is the motto of the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF). In keeping with the motto, students of the St Xavier’s College unit of AICUF, performed a street musical based on the girl child titled Mujhe Jeene Do at Carter Road Amphitheatre on the Carter Road promenade in Bandra (W), on September 7 and 8.
“Every year, September 8 is celebrated as the day of the girl child.
Therefore, we decided to perform a street musical on this day,” said Virgil Sequeira, the director of the musical.
The musical included three original compositions by Reena Turner and the song lyrics were penned by Shefali Mendonsa, both students of St Xavier’s College and members of the AICUF.
The musical highlighted issues such as education for the girl child, female infanticide, rape, eve teasing, domestic violence and stereotyping of the girl child.
“We wanted to reach out to maximum people, therefore we chose a public place to perform and to spread the message,” said Sequeira.
The musical lasted for 20 minutes and was performed by a group of about 20 AICUF members. “We received immense support from the Carter Road Residents Association, who gave us permission to perform at the promenade,” added Sequeira.
AICUF is a student’s movement that was formed in 1924. The movement works towards issues concerning women, dalits, refugees and adivasis. The organisation is headquartered in Chennai and currently has students managing units across 15 states in India.
“The play was very meaningful and it is good to see that even today, such young college students are initiating awareness on issues that is the need of the hour,” said Ramesh Samant, a passerby who reached during the practice session and waited till the end of the performance.
The St Xavier’s College Unit of the AICUF has now formed a street play group called Less Than Perfect, that will be performed across Mumbai. Mujhe Jeene Do was the first such play performed by the group and was well-received. The group witnessed a crowd of about 200 people, who watched the play over two days. “We have now received invitations to brush up our acting skills and perform at other places,” an elated Sequeira said.
AICUF has one unit in Maharashtra, at St Xavier’s College. The organisation is open to college students, irrespective of faith. The state unit can be contacted at aicufphoenix@yahoo.co.uk.