Shweta Tripathi to make her debut as a theatre producer for queer drama ‘Cock’

After a decade-long break, Shweta Tripathi returns to theatre making her debut as a producer. Tripathi is working on the reviving of the British queer play Cock, which won the Olivier Award in 2010. Her comeback is also special as she describes it as a tribute to the LGBTQIA+ community. The premiere show is slated to be staged on June 6 at Delhi’s Max Mueller Bhavan and on June 10 at Mumbai’s Prithvi Theatre. The play also perfectly aligns with Pride Month, celebrated in June.

“I recognise myself as an ally and I am drawn towards stories that are from the queer community. It’s because the community stands for love, equality and freedom. You fall in love with a person, who that person is, not what they are. I wanted to be a part of this pride celebration because we are also celebrating individuality, which we are losing, and it bothers me. If by being a producer, I can give that love and support to my cast and crew, and help them being seen, why not?” Tripathi shared to Hindustan Times.

‘Cock’

The play, penned by Mike Barlett, is helmed by Manish Gandhi. The actors include Rytasha Rathore, Tanmay Dhanania, Sahir Mehta and Harsh Singh. The production is a collaboration, backed by ‘Gaysi Family’, a community platform for “Desi Queers” and Tripathi’s theatre production banner ‘AllMyTea’. The plot dives into the raw emotion and inner conflict of a man torn between an instant attraction to a woman and his commitment to his male partner.

According to IANS, Tripathi says, "We are living in a time where people are finally feeling empowered to own their identities, and Cock doesn’t shy away from the discomfort or the beauty of that journey. It’s messy, human, and real. That’s what drew me to it.”

Her dedication is definitely a light to be a voice for the community. At a time when acceptance is still a struggle, Tripathi’s action is a result of her passion and that serves as a platform for the oppressed.

 

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