Mirroring #Metoo On Stage

Theatre buffs in Guwahati proved to be a mature audience as they immersed themselves in the play ‘Foreign Body’ that focuses on hope, healing and forgiveness after sexual assault

- Samhita Barooah

It is no surprise that Guwahatians love their theatre, one of the many reasons why people of all ages flock to the Guwahati Theatre Festival held every year by GPlus. Although, like always, the festival schedule boasted of many interesting plays, I could only find time to attend the play ‘Foreign Body’ by Imogen Butler Cole. The play had great reviews online and I could not wait.

Untold Stories

As we entered the auditorium of Pragjyoti ITA Centre for Performing Arts, I could see unique props on stage. A wooden chair and seven mirrors facing the chair with spotlights placed on the floor. Anchor and famous Assamese actor, Kapil Bora, introduced the play. Then the artist, Imogen started walking across the stage, moving towards the chair. She picked up the chair and started making subtle and soft movements, using the chair. Imogen and the chair were inseparable for a large part of the play. It was a solo act with vigorous body movements and a stage setting reminiscent of a psychotherapy session.