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NIRLAJJ

(Shameless)

 Written by Ajmer Rode

Directed by Ajmer Rode/Bhupinder Dhaliwal

 

Darshan Mann and Bhupinder Dhaliwal in Nirlajj. Photo Surinder Thind

Time: 45 min, 90 min, 150 min;  Characters: 10

 

Nirlajj deals with the shameless issue of Sex Selection that has rocked the Indo-Canadian community in recent years. There are three versions of the play depending upon the length of time, and all three have been performed successfully. The first version was written for Samaanta after discussing the subject extensively with Surjeet Kalsey, the secretary of Samaanta, an organization to oppose violence against women. 

For its second version the Lohri songs were contributed by Amrit Mann, one of the Nirlajj actors. Its sixth performance was done in Victoria in March 1997. The performances received wide publicity in Indo-Canadian media. 

"Ajmer is among the top names in modern Punjabi poetry, Nirlajj establishes him firmly as a playwright as well." – Dr. M.S. Randhawa, editor, Punjab Times; Vancouver, 1996  

. 

Darshan Mann, Amrit Mann in Nirlajj. Photo Surinder Thind

 

"Darshan Mann knows sex selection hurts. It is a pain the Vancouver actress relives every time she steps onto a stage (Nirlajj) to play a pregnant woman whose husband is forcing her to go to a sex selection clinic across the US -Canada border. In the play -performed recently in Toronto and Vancouver- the couple learn the fetus is female. Her actor-husband, who desperately wants a son to carry on the family name, threatens to leave her and their 10-year-old daughter unless she has an abortion" 

                                                      - Edmonton Journal 

 

                             

                                           Amarjit Josh in Nirlajj. Photo Surinder Thind

                               

"Nirlajj succeeds in bringing a key community issue like sex selection to the forefront of the community and educating and enlightening them through light entertainment. This is theatre for the people, by the people."- Paul Dhillon, The Link, Vancouver

"The play is a strong protest against fetus testing....There are many who simply rush to abort if it is a girl. this is disgusting and should be strongly condemned. People should be educated on the issue through the media and arts. Nirlajj is a step toward this end." -The Voice, Surrey, BC  

"The play, Nirlajj, is a great step towards the right direction. A plays like this should be made into a TV movie. Ajmer Rode deserves congratulations and thanks from the community."- The Indo-Canadian Times, Surrey, BC

 

                  Darshpreet, Darshan Mann in Nirlajj. 

                  Photo Surinder Thind

   

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