15.2°C What a privilege it is to have work like this performed at the Colchester Fringe, staged in the Headgate Theatre (Rehearsal Room) by The Forbidden Productions from India. Founded by actor, writer and producer Taranjit Kaur, The Forbidden Productions is committed to illuminating untold stories and breaking the silence around taboo subjects. Championing women, LGBTQ+ communities and underrepresented voices, the company creates transformative artistic experiences for global stages. Set against the grandeur of an Indian wedding, Babli and Tejal, childhood friends, meet again after fifteen years, and love and desire are reawakened. It is a beautiful piece, in places so fragile you are almost too afraid to breathe for fear of breaking the spell created between these two women. We raise sensual cups of tea to them.
The performers are excellent. Taranjit Kaur (Babli) and Archana Patel (Tejal) play off each other perfectly. We even get invited to an Indian wedding and take part, something that could only happen at Colchester Fringe. But this ceremonial aspect is important, as tradition is what is smothering the love and relationship between the women. Arranged marriages, abuse from parents and adults, the play protests with quiet dignity and power. It doesn’t need to scream; we see how much they love each other and how much society is against them.
In this way, the play educates its audience, and it made me reflective of the battles LGBTQ+ people are still facing, particularly brutal in some parts of the world. There is very much the feeling that the play has developed from personal experience and lived stories, and the direction by Ramanjit Kaur is outstanding. Particular mention must go to the highly provocative and beautiful music design by Pt. Tanmoy Bose, which really enhances the piece. It’s a Colchester Fringe must-see.
The next performances are at 7pm on Tuesday, 28th October and Wednesday, 29th October. Tickets are available.
Review by Paul T. Davies, Theatre Editor, Keep Colchester Cool
