Nirbhaya
NIRBHAYA, a play written and directed by Yaël Farber, in collaboration with an extraordinary cast and creative team from India. The production was based on the real-life events surrounding the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman in New Delhi, known as Nirbhaya. The play brought attention to the issue of gender-based violence and highlighted the resilience of survivors. Through its powerful storytelling, NIRBHAYA explored themes of trauma, survival, and justice, while also examining the societal and cultural factors that enabled such violence. By incorporating voices from India and working with human rights organizations, the production aimed to engage audiences in conversations about social change and the urgent need for action in addressing gender violence globally.
Impact
In the wake of a world shaken by violence and injustice, NIRBHAYA stood as a testament to the power of breaking the silence that so often surrounds sexual violence. It was through the passionate efforts of Poorna Jagannathan and the visionary direction of Yaël Farber, in collaboration with Culture Project, that this groundbreaking piece of theatre came to life. Using the harrowing story of Jyoti Singh Pandey's brutal assault and death as a catalyst for change, each performer boldly confronted the silence that keeps survivors hidden in the shadows.
"A compelling depiction of an awful truth…. Farber’s message is clear; this is a collective problem and we – men and women – must speak out. ‘I know my silence is part of what that dark night brought’ says one actor. Silently, some women in the audience nod”
— The Independent
"One of the most powerful and urgent pieces of human rights theatre ever made"
— The Herald