Behzti by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti
“You think it is pleasant watching a fat virgin become infertile? I want to be seen and noticed and invited by people. I want anything… that is not this.”
Past her prime, Min joyfully spends her life caring for her sick, foul-mouthed mother, Balbir. Today, for the first time in years, they’re off out. Mother and daughter head to the local Sikh Temple, but when Balbir encounters old friends, a past trauma rears its ugly head. Min and Balbir’s illusions are about to be shattered as they become immersed in a world of desperate aspiration and dangerous deals.
In a community where public honour is paramount, is there any room for the truth?
Behzti was scheduled to open at The Door (Birmingham Rep) in December 2004 but was cancelled due to protests by some members of the local Sikh community.
Featuring Special Guest: Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti
WHAT IS SOUTH ASIAN PLAY READING GROUP?
Each session we will be reading a different play written by a writer of South Asian heritage. These will be a combination of new plays that are at different stages of development in addition to older legacy texts that haven’t been seen for a while and everything else in between.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with other creatives in a friendly and welcoming artistic environment. Many previous participants have gone on to write their own work which has received successful R&Ds as well as commissions, citing how useful Tara Theatre’s play reading group has been as a part of their professional journeys.
We are proud to offer this group entirely for FREE. However, if you’d like to make a donation to support our theatre and ensure we can continue running projects like this, you can do so here.
THE FORMAT
The play will be read aloud by our willing script readers, and then as a whole group we will have a lively discussion about the text. You can participate in the group as a reader, or as someone who is there to hear the text and share in the discussion.
The group will be led by Tara Theatre’s Associate Director Gavin Joseph, with sessions throughout the season led by special guests.
“Wonderful play reading morning today Tara Theatre reading a few of the wonderful monologues featured in Ricky Beadle Blair’s Anthology “Lit”. Such good debate followed, chaired brilliantly by Natasha helping us think deeply about our craft. Highly recommended.”
“Highly recommend Tara Theatre South Asian play reading group, such a welcoming, open & relaxed environment to drop in, facilitated by Natasha creating any last minute changes into an opportunity for learning & good vibes plus there are snacks, free snacks people!”
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We’re looking for people to come and join the group! You don’t need any experience of theatre, or even South Asian theatre. Just an interest and an open mind to discovering something new.
If you are an actor or would like to be considered to read a role in this week’s play, please email Associate Director Gavin Joseph at gavin@taratheatre.com with the subject line Reader for Play Reading Group: Behtzi. Please include your casting details in your email (i.e. age, gender, ethnicity, etc.)
Please note this is a popular group and places are extremely limited. We advise to book immediately to avoid disappointment.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at gavin@taratheatre.com.
