Kriti Festival of S. Asian Arts and Literature -- registration / schedule now available

The third Kriti Festival of S. Asian Arts and Literature will take
place this June 11 - 14, at UIC and Roosevelt University. The
festival features Guests of Honor Amitava Kumar, Bapsi Sidhwa, and
Romesh Gunesekera, along with more than fifty other authors, dancers,
actors, and musicians. There'll be two theatre performances
(including a performance of _Yoni Ki Baat_, the S. Asian version of
the vagina monologues), two nights of dance and music performances,
and more! A full schedule is available here:
http://www.desilit.org/kriti.php#schedule

Registration is free for UIC students, faculty, and staff, but we do
strongly recommend that you register in advance, in order to ensure
your space is reserved. Details are available here:

http://www.desilit.org/kriti.php

And please do help us spread the word, to your family, friends, and colleagues!

- Mary Anne Mohanraj

--
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago
Executive Director, DesiLit, www.desilit.org
Executive Director, SLF, www.speclit.org
www.maryannemohanraj.com

Yoni Ki Baat: Last Chance to see them!

Yoni Ki Baat! What is it? You may ask. Well, I think it'd be best if you read what they emailed me below. You better move fast! Production ends THIS SUNDAY!! I recommend you go because 1) there's been great reviews for this, 2) support local productions!, 3) support artistic productions!, 4) Asian American performers! and 5) a portion of the tickets go to support a local domestic violence agency, APNA GHAR!

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Tickets for Rasaka's upcoming production of Yoni Ki Baat are on sale now at strawdog.org. Tickets are just $10-20* – reserve yours today to get the best seats! Performances are January 2-February 1 at Strawdog Theatre (3829 N. Broadway).

Yoni Ki Baat is a funny, heartfelt and thought-provoking monologue cycle, loosely inspired by Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues. By combining spoken word, music and dance, Rasaka presents an exploration of female sexuality, seen through the lens of desi culture. Featuring ensemble members Anita Chandwaney and Fawzia Mirza with Minita Gandhi and Mouzam Makkar. Directed by Lavina Jadhwani and choreographed by Alka Nayyar; local writers include Devi Bhaduri, Anita Chandwaney, Ky Dickens, Angeli Primlani and Mary Anne Mohanraj.* A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to Apna Ghar, a domestic violence shelter. (www.apnaghar.org)

YONI KI BAAT REVIEW QUOTES

“Yoni Ki Baat brings together a range of writers, assuring that nearly each piece has a refreshing specificity and distinct tone.” - Kerry Reid, The Reader

Venus Zarris of Chicago Stage Review :
“Director/Curator Lavina Jadhwani assembles a remarkably gifted cast to deliver the cleverly collected anecdotes.”

“…this production features six world premiere monologues written by local writers as well as six pieces edited from previous productions. The result is an intimate evening of cultural insight, candid exposition and exceptional performance.”

“…it is revolutionary to hear the voices of these uncompromising writers delivered by this unapologetic and outstanding ensemble.”

“Yoni Ki Baat shines a long overdue spotlight on the relevance of women’s stories. It serves the vital purpose of giving a vocabulary to an exigent topic while defusing the discomfort through enchanting and captivating connection. “
3 ½ STARS

Anne Pulley, Centerstage Show Review (Chicago Sun-Times online city guide):
“ ‘Yoni Ki Baat’ is a spirited and consuming production with some Margaret Cho-esque raunch thrown in for taste.”

“Far from being preachy or ranty, "Yoni" illuminates cultural and political conundrums that range from coming-of-age insecurities to profound scientific revelations...”

"Yoni" pays critical attention to the voices that go painfully unheard and to the quiet abuses that come from familial obligation or bodily embarrassment. “

“"Yoni Ki Baat" hits the (G) spot.”