Sandakkaari, a play on fundamental rights of transgender persons, is all set to take its audience on an emotional roller-coaster ride into the lives of — Prithika Yasini, Tarika Banu and other transwomen in the city, who realised their career dreams against all odds.
The play, which will be performed on April 14 in Chennai, is the brainchild of Kattiyakkaari - a city-based theatre group, and Trans Rights Now Collective, a nonprofit that works towards ensuring education and creating employment for transgender persons.
The satirical play revolves around the struggles of transwomen, who used the powers of the judiciary to find life and livelihood in mainstream society. "The play is not about showcasing exemplary role models for transgender persons, but about showing the template to fight obstacles to accessing education and employment," said Avipsha Das, the associate director of the play
The play touches upon several court judgements that impacted the lives and rights of transgender persons. "Beginning from the famous NALSA judgement, Transgender Bill, Prithika Yasini's judgement to many others, we have files of content that show us what we're eligible for. It's time we put that information out for young uncertain transgender persons to know how to fight their way through," said Grace Banu, who is also acting in the play.
The docu-fiction play, also uses handpicked instances from the lives of the actors themselves. Contrary to several plays on transgender rights that focuses on abuse, Sandakkari will be a roadmap to access basic rights for transwomen.
The performance will mark the beginning of 'trans-season' in Chennai that will go on till May. Other actors in the play include Negha, Sowmiya, Tarika Banu, Renuka and Kayalvizhi.
