BROTHEL #9 by Anusree Roy, directed by Nigel Shawn Williams (Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst). To March 27. $15-$40. 416-504-9971. See listing. Rating: NNN
In her ambitious Brothel #9, Anusree Roy reveals the harsh realities facing thousands of women trapped in Calcutta’s sex trade. Based on extensive research and interviews, the play feels authentic but maxes out on depressing subject matter.
Roy uses four characters to map the hierarchies of power that maintain this form of modern day slavery. The story centres on Rekha (Pamela Sinha), a young woman sold to a brothel run by Birbal (Ash Knight). There she meets Jamuna (Roy), an older “den mother” resigned to this way of life, and Salaudin (Sanjay Talwar), a corrupt police inspector and regular client who demands bribes from Birbal. As the play unfolds, tensions mount as Salaudin falls in love with Rekha and distances himself from Jamuna.
Shawn Kerwin‘s striking set makes great use of faded colours, hung linens and vertical space to convey the worn down Calcutta slum. Roy and director Nigel Shawn Williams centre the action around the brothel’s common area, a water tank and a modest kitchen, where negotiations over money and food capture the evolving relationships.
The thick Indian accents might make some of the rapidfire exchanges difficult to follow, but they add realism to the production.
Roy’s convincing dialogue shows how a disturbing semblance of domesticity persists in this horrible environment. Listen to the ordinary details in Jamuna’s second act monologue chronicling the terrible sacrifices she’s made to stay in the business.
Unfortunately, Roy ignores tantalizing tidbits about her male characters – like Birbal’s dying wife and Salaudin’s Muslim faith.
Roy deserves credit for documenting the many distressing nuances of brothel life, but after two hours of pain, suffering and cruelty, you reach a saturation point.
