We see her first with Ahalya, created by Brahma to be the most beautiful woman in the world and given in marriage to the sage Gautama, and tricked by Lord Indra. However, some texts, like Bala Kanda of the Ramayana, say that she saw through Indra’s disguise and willingly committed adultery. Playing on this version and adding layers to it, Ahalya confesses her thoughts to Sakhi. “Gautama is like a celebrity husband, who doesn’t have time for his wife and her needs. Much like modern corporate husbands,” Mayur laughs. “Besides, he was decades her senior. All Ahalya ever did was pine for her husband—and be punished for it.”

Despite dealing with heavy topics, the play never gets preachy. When emotions ride high, dialogue gives way to dance. If dance fails, there is poetry—reiterations of Maya Angelou, Pablo Neruda as well as Mayur’s original verses. There is satire which jumps out in little quips, such as when a man from the “judgement ki dukaan” says “Vidhwa ko sati hona chahiye, not slutty.” Or when a minor character, who had thus far been “protecting” his Guruma from male attention,catcalls  another woman saying, “What’s up baby, kabhi aao meri kutiya pe.” Mayur says that she has kept the language massy because people often learn bigger lessons while laughing. 

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The standout? The last act—a folk story from the tribal mythology of Bhil Bharath, Gujarat. In this tale, after Arjun falls into the nag world, Hirapath, a nag-kanya, unapologetically takes control and demands the satisfaction of her desire.

WHAT: Ballad of Desires
WHERE: Creative Adda 191, Andheri
WHEN: November 25, 8.30 PM
PRICE: Rs 350
TO BOOK: insider.in

A festive line up

Performers Anshika Chonkar, Juggy Sandhu and Mohit Madanwal, and bands Abhanga and Euphony will perform at the Dahisar River Festival this Diwali, from November 11 to November 15 at Riverview Hall, Dahisar west. 
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WHAT: Dahisar River Festival
WHEN: November 11 to November 15
WHERE: Riverview Hall, Dahisar West
TO BOOK: Dahisar River Festival on Instagram 

Cleaning up after Diwali

After the festive days of Diwali pass, it’s clean up time!. Volunteer to rid stretches of Carter Road, Bandra of plastic, bottles, caps and other waste. All cleaning equipment will be provided.  
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WHEN: November 18, 7.30 AM to 8.30 AM 
MEETING-POINT: Carter Road Amphitheatre
TO BOOK: insider.in