‘Main Tawaif’ – An enigmatic show

Artist Manjari Chaturvedi will present ‘Main Tawaif’ under The Courtesan Project Series. Fourteen years into existence the series is founded and conceptualised by Manjari, classical dancer, creator of Sufi Kathak, and known as a restorer of the dance of Tawaifs.

The performance is a profound exploration of the gender dynamics within the arts, unveiling the pivotal influence of women performers – the enigmatic Tawaifs and Baijis – of North India from the 16th to the 20th century. It is set as an intimate mehfil performance of how the Tawaifs would perform in yesteryears. Their music, their stories, their dance enacted by a single performer.

Tawaifs, the highly skilled courtesans of 18th and 19th-century Awadh, were the trendsetters of their time. They merged Persian and Indian influences, giving us the timeless Kathak dance and soulful dadra and thumri music, setting the standards for elegance and refinement. They were not just artists par excellence, but also esteemed mentors of etiquette and conversation.

A modern day Classical dancer, seeking recognition for the dancers and singers of yesteryears. ‘Main Tawaif’ questions the role of the people, the society and in the way history sees the women performers who perform on stage.

Through a mesmerising blend of evocative monologue, dance, music, and stories, the audio-visual spectacle will delve deep into the heart of history and societal perceptions.

‘Main Tawaif’ is an endeavour by a modern-day dancer, Manjari, seeking recognition for the dancers and singers of yesteryears, dedicated to preserving and promoting the intangible cultural heritage of the tawaifs while removing social stigmas associated with courtesans, ultimately recognising them as artists of unparalleled caliber.

When: 7pm onwards, April 21
Where: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre