Flame In The Dark: A Review Of Yael Farber's Play 'Nirbhaya'

"This may not be a happy story, but it is one of hope. By opening a dialogue and sharing these stories, we create a platform for change."

As the evening unfolded, Poorna Jagannathan, Rukhsar Kabir, Sneha Jawale, Priyanka Bose, and Sapna Bhavnani, bravely brought their stories forth into the light. I sat in disbelief, the energy in the room becoming distinctly heavier even as the tearful audience around me was held captive. The depth of each story was amplified because it was the very survivors of these heinous incidents that re-enacted them.

The performance was received with a thundering applause. Afterward, there was an open forum discussion. The cast took to the stage once again, and sat in the style of a panel. Instead of answering questions, they became the listeners and handed the baton over to the audience. People all around me stood up to share their own stories of sexual assault – many for the first time. When Poorna asked the audience, “How many of you have been victims of sexual abuse, or know of someone who has?” a painfully striking show of hands were raised.

As a male sitting in the audience, I suddenly felt as though I had personally let these women down. After all, men are biologically designed to be the protector. At what point then, did we become the perpetrator? I couldn't help but think of all the women in my life. I envisioned the faces of my mother, my sister, my better half, my friends, my teachers and my colleagues and I felt frightfully helpless. I couldn't help but feel accountable. The responsibility falls upon every one of us to look after our sisters and no longer stand, or rather, stand by in the face of injustice.

Words: Prasheen Lodhia