The world première of Pink Sari Revolution, a true story about an “incredible” woman who created “one of the world’s greatest feminist movements”, is to be held at Leicester’s Curve.
Based on the book by journalist Amana Fontanella-Khan, Pink Sari Revolution features Sampat Pal and her fight for freedom in India.
Curve’s associate director Suba Das who directs said, “Sampat Pal was married off at the age of 12 and taught herself how to read, write and sew so that she could be economically independent.
“From those impoverished origins in one of the most lawless parts of India, she has achieved extraordinary things and even became one of The Guardian’s 100 most-important women in the world.
“I read Fontanella-Khan’s book several years ago and when I heard about the Arts Council’s Reimagine India funding to encourage cultural work between British and Indian organisations, I immediately felt there was an opportunity to take this story that I’ve been so excited about and find a way to make a show.
“We’ve also received funding for this production from the British Council’s UK/IN 2017 programme and English Touring Theatre. This enabled us to spend time with Sampat Pal both in her home and out on the campaign trail. She’s a force of nature; the most charismatic, extraordinary fire-cracker of a human being you could ever imagine.
“The play is based on a documentary account of her Gulabi Gang. These women have real strength and are standing up for their rights. But it’s also about the cost of saying ‘no’ to the system.”
As previously announced, Syreeta Kumar will play Sampat Pal. The cast also includes Goldy Notay, Munir Khairdin, Ronak Patani, Sharan Phull and Ulrika Krishnamurti.
Playwright Purva Naresh, an “extraordinary feminist political voice from India”, has adapted the book. Designer is Isla Shaw, lighting designer is Tim Lutkin and movement director is Aakash Odedra.
Pink Sari Revolution runs at Curve from Wednesday 27 September until Saturday 7 October. Press night is Thursday 5 October. It then transfers to Coventry’s Belgrade from 11 until 22 October, Northern Stage in Newcastle from 31 October until 4 November and West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds from 7 until 11 November.