Drawing on the taboo surrounding prostitution, The Great Indian Theatre Company brings a weighty story to life with Crimson Gully. Set in a 1990s brothel, this production fearlessly delves into the darker sides of society while simultaneously acknowledging the humanity within.
The play opens with dialogue that critiques the colonial impact on artistic dances, highlighting how these were devalued by converting the artists to sex workers. This immediately invites the audience to reflect on the broader cultural context.
L-R Ashish Malik (Jaggu Dada),Dilip Ajwani( MLA Thakur) and Geo John (Inspector Sharma). Photograhy by Albert Antony Roy.
The sixteen-person ensemble was flawless—there wasn’t a single weak performance among them. Mit Singh’s portrayal of the endearingly awkward Madan was a delight to watch as the lovable protagonist falls for Muskaan, played by Nidhi Wilson. Wilson’s performance seamlessly blended the poetry and dance that define mujra, making her the perfect choice to embody the sensual courtesan and object of Madan’s desire. However, the story subverts the expected rescue trope; Madan admires Muskaan not out of pity, but for her resilience and ability to make a living from her body. Sreekanth Gopalakrishnan’s direction and writing deliver a compelling narrative that showcases the strengths of this talented cast.
Throughout the play, MLA Thakur (portrayed by Dilip Ajwani) promises to shut down the kothas, supported by a corrupt entourage of men who are, ironically, regular patrons. The hypocrisy of these men, claiming moral superiority while funding the very institutions they decry, underscores the grim irony that sustains such oppressive environments.
L-R Paromita Mukherjee (Taai), Mit Singh(Madan ) and Nidhi Wilson (Muskaan). Photograhy by Albert Antony Roy.
The sisterhood among the brothel workers provides a rich emotional undercurrent, giving due credit to the strength of their bonds. I admired Gopalakrishnan’s ability to weave such a strong narrative, avoiding tired stereotypes. As the story progressed, I couldn’t help but wonder what would constitute a happy ending in this bleak context. In a fiery crescendo, the play delivered an unexpected twist: the sisterhood of women rises up against the powerful men. The striking image of the workers, bathed in red light as they turn on their oppressors, is one that will stay with me for a long time.
At 115 minutes without an intermission, the runtime is a little long, but the powerful performances and gripping story make Crimson Gully an enjoyable and thought-provoking watch.