Did you know that 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.
Main Tawaif is a presentation by Manjari Chaturvedi, under The Courtesan Project Series on April 21 at India Habitat Centre. 14 years into existence the series is founded and conceptualized by classical dancer, creator of Sufi Kathak, and restorer of the dance of Tawaifs, Manjari Chaturvedi. The performance is a profound exploration of the gender dynam ics within the arts, unveiling the pivotal influence of women per formers – the enigmatic Tawaifs and Baijis – of North India from the 16th to the 20th century. The performance is set as an intimate mehfil performance of how the Tawaifs would perform in yester years. Their music, their stories, their dance enacted by a single performer.
This is a bold statement by a classical dancer to title her concert as Main Tawaif, and only a powerful performer like Manjari can go beyond the available narrative and create a new narrative from the perspective of women. This is needed to finally accord respect for the performance art of the Tawaif, to go beyond the drawing room sniggers and laughter associated with the word Tawaif, and to finally acknowledge their role in performance art history. It person ally took Manjari ten long years to fi nally use the term Tawaif for a classical concert, without being ridiculed for it. A modern day classical dancer, finally seeking recognition for the dancers and singers of yesteryears. Through a mesmerizing blend of evocative monologue, dance, music, and stories, the audio-visual spectacle will delve deep into the heart of history and societal perceptions. It questions the roles of individuals, society, and history in defining the place of women performers, challenging preconceived notions, and striving to honor their in valuable contribution to the world of art and culture. Main Tawaif is an endeavor 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 recognizing them as artists of unparalleled caliber. These extraordinary women transitioned from the confines of the kotha to grace the Parsi theatre stages and subsequently be came the pioneers of the burgeoning Hindi Film Industry. Their stories have regrettably been relegated to the shad ows of history. This concert and the larger Courtesan Project aim to illuminate their art and narratives, bringing to these unsung heroines much deserved atten tion, status, and respect. Manjari Chaturvedi shares stories of women who were integral to Hindi cinema.