Defying definition

Accent

Lushin Dubey recently irnpressed a Kolkata audience with a multi-faceted performance in her latest theatre production, Untitled. Hemchhaya De explores the contradictions inherent in this talented personality who feels strongly about women's issues, enjoys her femininity, yet plans to play a man in her next project.

I have chosen Medea and the queen in Detha's play because they are audacious women and both have what I'd like to describe as cathartic imagination. They triumph over repression and assert their independence and desires," says Dubey, whose latest production took shape as a reaction to the atrocities perpetrated on women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

"I have used a three-pronged approach insofar as the play is concerned.

I have dealt with violence against women, cheating and child abuse. But I have not shown that promiscuity should be countered with promiscuity. Men and women are equal in terms of morality and character," adds Dubey.

Does that imply she is laying down new feminist principles? "I wouldn't call myself a feminist. I enjoy my femininity. I don't try to show through my performances that women are above men. I protest against the inequality without hurting the sensibilities of the other sex," she explains.

Dubey, along with her cousin, Bubbles Sabharwal, founded Kids World in 1986. The theatre group for youth brought to the fore contemporary social issues. Later, it gave birth to Theatre World which has produced Untitled. One of the most striking aspects of the play is the way it has mixed various genres -tragedy, satire and puppetry. It also follows jester-storyteller Fo's style of sharp--shooting with the audience.

At the start of the play, Lushin appears in a rnask as Medeas nurse after a jig. Is she trying to revive some of the elements of the Greek theatre?

"Oh, I love Greek theatre! I have performed in Barry John's productions of Oedipus and Trojan Women. In fact, I have worked with him for eight years. Maybe, I can use those experiences to suit my purpose. You know, it's such a relief performing on your own with just puppets as your co-actors. You don't have to put up with any tantrum,' Lushin with a wry smile.


Does she design the puppets self? "Not always. I have certain people who execute my ideas. On stage, I give life to the puppets. I do have dexterous fingers-I paint and sculpt, too" replies the actress who bagged the Edinburgh Fringe Award in 2000 for her portrayal of Desdemona in her own production of Othello.

How important is music in her play "It's quite important. I particularly like rustic tunes and these have been used to brilliant effect in Untitled. 

" Lushin, who is Lilette Dubeys sister, is also quite a big name in the television industry with mega-serials like Rajdhani and Kashmeer to her credit. On her forthcoming projects, she says, "I have acted in a couple of crossover films. My film projects included Perfect Husband and Socha No Tha. I am even planning to convert Untitled into a film".

She will embark on a tour of the States soon. She will stage Untitled in cities like Boston, Dallas, Chicago and New York. But since the play is mostly in Hindi, will it go down well with the audiences in the West? '

There are a lot of Indians in that country. I am sure it will definitely strike a chord there. Basically, the play addresses every woman living in any part of the world, cutting across caste, creed and religion. l plan to take the play, as my friend Aruna Roy has suggested, to the heart of Rajasthan some day;' says Lushin. Does she plan to deviate from women-oriented subjects?


'It's not that I don't want to act in comedies or other dramatic genres. Women's issues draw me. I feel strong-ly about them. Nevertheless, 1 plan to play a man in my next project! Men have their own set of problems which need to be explored and expressed." Looking thoughtful, she continues,'The perfect man in my life is Buddha. My father instilled in me profound admiration for Him. Moreover, I graduated in history. Hence, I studied Him. But now I am going to concentrate on Ramakrishna. His way of embodying both sexes fascinates me," reveals Lushin.

How does she strike a balance between her family and profession? "I've got a tremendously supportive family My husband, who's a professor of Mathematics at Yale and Stony Brook, gives me a lot of space. We keep on oscillating between two countries. I have two immensely talented daughters. Elena made her first stage appearance at the age of four. They encourage me a lot;" gushes the feisty actress. "Theatre reinforces me," she adds. Following Lushin's power-packed performance, a distinguished American, guest walks up to her to say, "I Wish I knew Hindi. But I am deeply moved by ,your body language".