As a part of the {exchange X explore} initiative, ‘Umrao & Me’ is set to be performed at the Shiv Nadar University.

‘Umrao&Me’ is an innovative lecture performance in which the artist shares personal letters written by her to Umrao Jaan - the legendary 19th century ‘tawaif’ performer (courtesan) from the then undivided India. De-exoticizing traditional eastern narratives & discourses and deconstructing variegated expressions of broad prejudices; the lecture unpacks plural accounts of marginalisation, effects of colonialism, patriarchal society, body shaming, male gaze, morality, censorship and politics in the arts. 

Duration: 40 minutes

Script & Performance: Nikita Maheshwary
Dramaturgy: Paul de Bruyne