Stree Mukti Sanghatana: Activities

ACTIVITIES > CULTURAL TROUPE

Since 1979, seven plays have been staged and numerous songs composed on women's issues to create mass awareness.

The cultural troupe of Stree Mukti Sanghatana, has a consistent track record of 30 years. It has reached every nook and corner of India with the help of powerful plays and numerous songs on women's issues. The cultural troupe was initiated with songs, keeping in mind the low rate of literacy in women. Activists of SMS composed scores of songs on various issues raised by the women's movement, songs of unity, and songs of empowerment. Issues like literacy, violence, unorganized workers, political rights, dowry, rape etc. were taken up. These songs reached thousands of women, young and old through live presentation, audio cassettes, books and also presentation on the All India Radio Mumbai- Maharashtra. The book of songs in Marathi is in its 13th edition and sold 50,000 copies and has a very good collection of Hindi songs as well. These have become popular amongst activists of all organizations and women in general.

Cultural activities are very important for generation of awareness. They are also an alternate medium. The message of equality, peace and development is disseminated to millions through the audio-visual and print media.

Most of the SMS plays are musicals with powerful and biting humour and a simple form. They have touched the chords of the masses. Hundreds of SMS activists have participated in the cultural troupe. Most of them are voluntary workers (men and women) with no theater background except for the director of all the plays - Mr. Vinod Hadap.

The audience could be anywhere between 50 and 5000 and at times up to 15,000. Most of the plays can be staged anywhere without any props.

The performances are presented in slums, villages, colleges, offices, women's groups etc. on a makeshift stage in halls or community centres, and also on open grounds.