Behna (Sisters)
By Sonia Likhari

Ansuya Nathan as Masi Ji and Hema Mangoo as Simi Behna Photos by Robert Day

Homes across the Black Country are about to play host to a unique theatre production by Kali Theatre. Taking place in the kitchens of local houses, the play, entitled Behna (Sisters), runs from Tuesday 22 March to Friday 15 April.

It’s the day before a wedding, Ladies’ Sangeet Night, in a Punjabi household. The bride is having her henna done and the guests are busy eating, singing and dancing. But in the kitchen, sibling jealousy simmers alongside the samosas.  Fast-paced, funny and moving, Behna takes a look through the keyhole of a family house to reveal the secrets and lies of two generations of sisters.

The play will be presented in real households across the region to create a unique, intimate and intriguing piece of theatre where the audience become part of a fun party atmosphere.

Described by The Guardian as ‘the most inventive piece of theatre I’ve seen this year’ when it was first staged last year, The Public are working with Black Country Touring and Kali Theatre Company, and in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, to bring Behna to audiences in the Midlands.

Award winning Kali Theatre has been presenting ground breaking new plays by South Asian women for 20 years, earning rave reviews, sell-out performances and inspiring audiences all over the UK with original and thought-provoking writing that reflects and comments on our lives today. Find out more at www.kalitheatre.co.uk.

Janet Steel, Artistic Director at Kali Theatre said, “Sitting in a real kitchen and watching Behna is a very special experience that audiences have loved.  We are really excited to be working with The Public to make it possible for people in West Bromwich to have that experience.”

Behna will run from 22 March to 15 April: Tuesday – Friday at 7.30pm; Thursday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm; Sunday 5.30pm.  Please arrive 20 minutes before the performance begins.

Tickets are £9 advance, £7 concessions and have to be bought in advance only from The Public Box Office on 0121 533 7161.  Intriguingly, the venue for the performance will be revealed upon purchase.  The performance is suitable for anyone aged 13+.

Behna was first performed in Birmingham in March 2010 in a co-production between Kali, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Black Country Touring.

For more information about events at The Public visit www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161.