When Aparna Gopinath and her team of actors conceptualized their latest theatrical project, Stop, Look, But Proceed, their primary vision was to bring this poignant and socially relevant play to educational institutions across India. “Many of us who read the play either knew of someone or had gone through similar experiences,” Aparna, the renowned theatre artiste and actor, remarked. “As a theatre group and an ensemble of actors, we began to wonder what we could do about it.”
Stop, Look, But Proceed is an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning American play How I Learned to Drive, written by Paula Vogel. The play narrates the harrowing and complex journey of a young girl entangled in a sexually abusive relationship with her uncle. Encompassing a powerful cast that includes Mrittika, Fawas Ameer Hamsa, Pragathi Jadavshankar, Seema, Sanjana Jothiprakasam, and Aarushi Krishnan, this captivating drama is set to make its debut in Chennai this week.
“This is a story that is not confined to any specific time period. As long as human bodies exist, there will be abuse,” Aparna poignantly states. Emphasizing that it is not just a matter that needs publicity, she notes, “While there is a lot of awareness, it continues to be difficult for people to talk about abuse. Particularly when it involves a family member, the shroud of secrecy is even thicker.”
Crafted to resonate deeply with the Indian audience, the play, while predominantly in English, incorporates segments in Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam. Following its Chennai debut, the production is scheduled to tour other regions, including Puducherry, Bengaluru, Kerala, and additional states.
One of the distinctive features of this production is the inclusion of a therapist-guided discussion at the end of each performance. This discussion aims to delve into the challenging themes presented in the play and open a space for the audience to share their thoughts and experiences. “The end of the play catches you in your throat,” Aparna explains. “We did not want to leave it in a place of hopelessness.
. It is significant for people to see if they can create a space within themselves to listen to their story, or any story, without judgment.”
The play’s debut is taking place at Koothu-p-pattarai in Virugambakkam, with performances scheduled from June 20 to 22 and June 26 to 30, starting at 7 PM each evening. Admission is free and based on a first-come-first-serve basis. For additional information, interested attendees can contact 6385087557.
Exploring the profound and often concealed issue of sexual abuse within families, Stop, Look, But Proceed, carried by its potent narrative and earnest performances, strikes a deep chord. The choice to bring this subject to the forefront in educational settings is both deliberate and impactful. Schools and colleges are crucial spaces for initiating conversations that challenge societal taboos and encourage openness on difficult subjects.
Aparna and her ensemble’s objective goes beyond mere performances. They seek to stimulate discourse and foster environments where stories of abuse can be shared and heard. By providing a platform where attendees can voice their reflections and experiences, the play offers a conduit for communal healing and understanding.
Through the medium of theatre, Stop, Look, But Proceed not only enlightens its audience but also compels them to confront and reflect on pervasive yet often unspoken issues. The dramatization aims to drive home the importance of awareness, empathy, and proactive dialogue around the atrocities of abuse.
Ultimately, Aparna Gopinath and her team are steering essential conversations that could lead to societal change. Grounded in the power of storytelling, their work underscores the vital role of art in shedding light on pressing social issues and contributing to a more conscious and empathetic society. The journey of Stop, Look, But Proceed across India promises not just a theatrical experience, but a call to action against the deep-rooted social malaise of abuse, urging people to see and confront these truths courageously.
