First performed in 2013 in New Delhi, Mallika Taneja's play is still relevant in India and beyond its borders. Her voice is more impactful than ever in terms of its form (performative) and its theme (how women’s movements are controlled in public spaces). Inspired by events that sparked a broad civic movement in India in 2012, Be Careful challenges notions of safety and caution imposed on women dressed in a way that is presumed to provoke aggressive male behavior. Embracing the absurdity of sexist discourse – that women alone are responsible for the abuse they endure – Mallika Taneja transforms her original anger into an artistic and political act. She speaks of horror, submission and violence, enumerating the precepts of how women are expected to behave and cleverly turning on its head the idea of “proper” behaviour enshrined in law. She matches action with words with uncompromising humour. Renowned for her artistic performances, she is also a feminist activist who has created platforms dedicated to women and organised night marches in public spaces.
Be Careful
Mallika Taneja
New Delhi
Between speaking out, symbolic gestures and involving the audience, Be Careful is an artistic and political manifesto targeting violence against women. A satirical piece in which feminist artist Mallika Taneja performs without false modesty and with a keen sense of theatre to denounce the inconceivable.
Practical information
Duration : 50'
Age : 14 and over
Language : english with french surtitles
Warning : nudity
Where ?
Ballet National de Marseille
Carsharing available here from June 3
