Right performance

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Sangeeta Sharma during a performance

Using one’s talent to speak up for a cause one is passionate about is probably one of the most satisfying experiences one can have. And theatreperson Sangeeta Sharma certainly knows what that high means.

Sangeeta launched a campaign against female foeticide through a moving performance of contemporary da-nce, yoga and chhau through her play, Behti Ganga, which was staged in the capital recently. The play was organised by the Delhi Gynaecolo-gist Forum, Well-being of Women India, and Gulshan Homz
“I believe that the performing arts are a very powerful and relevant medium and should be used to speak about the ills in society. It’s probably the best way to get people talking about the issue openly, and discussions often lead to solutions,” feels Sangeeta, founder of Aneshana Dance Theatre. Sangeeta has been practicing dance theatre for the past 26 years and has been holding theatre workshops for children from rural areas. In fact, Sangeeta, feels dance theatre is an apt medium, particularly for the youth.
“Both rural and urban kids are very receptive to messages we have tried to deliver to them through our performances. The only thing is we need to be creative and tailor-make the pieces to suit the audiences without compromising on the content,” Sangeeta says. “For the last two decades, I have been experimenting in dance techniques with village school children in Himachal Pradesh and am amazed to see their interest in street theatre,” she says.
“Behti Ganga means eternal flow — from mother to daughter, and then from daughter to mother — the story remains the same. We all know the plight of the girl child in the country and the displeasure to produce a girl child is a phenomenon that cuts across all sections of Indian society. I wanted to bring forth the emotional tug-of-war associated with a heartless act against the unborn. So, I spoke to hundreds of expecting mothers, and even fathers as a part of my research for the play,” Sangeeta informs.