I haven’t read the whole interview as it becomes repetitive after a little while. Though I am kinda mixed about it all …
First off, where do they perform these plays in Pakistan? In private theaters? Secondly, Their intentions might be right but what do they think they will achieve performing in front of such a limited audience?! The problems like rape, molestation are far more serious in the conservative part of the society in Pakistan, not among the few elites that were asked to come watch. Thirdly, where did they get the notion that Pakistani men, in general, are in control of their desires? And lastly, is being in control of one’s desires equates to being open about it?
However, I do believe it’s an issue that needs to be discussed in Pakistan, on a public level.
Interview- “So what if you are in control of your own sexual pleasure?”
By Shimaila Matri
Q: One of the main themes of The V Monologues is women taking control of their own sexual pleasure, in a very permissive sense. How do you think The V Monologues applies to a country like Pakistan where there is a very strict code of morality, and where most people believe in sex only within the bounds of a heterosexual marriage?
Nadia Jamil: Well, I don't know if this society believes in sex only within the parameters of marriage. Everyone in Pakistan has sex - let's face it, not necessarily only if they are married. Marriage is an institution that exists all over the world, but it does have more importance in Pakistan.
This play, however, is not just about taking control of one's sexual pleasure - although why that should be less important because we are in Pakistan, is something we should think about. Whether or not you are married, or whether or not you are in Pakistan, taking charge of one's own desire and sexual needs is a great step to take. Also important is identifying your own sexuality and being comfortable with it, whatever gender you would like to have sex with. For me, The V Monologues is a funny play. It is about being able to sit down and laugh about things that are painful, to talk about them. This only happens when one is comfortable with the issues and comfortable with oneself.
Ayesha Alam: A friend of mine, who comes from a conservative family, told me that this play should be called "breaking the silence." So what if you are in control of your own sexual pleasure? If you are married or not, this is your own choice. The point is that the sexual aspect is a very important part of womanhood. Sexual molestation is an occurence that is very common in Pakistan. It has happened to most people I know, including myself, and I am very open and honest about it. I know a girl who told her mother about being molested by a maulvi and her mother said, "So what, so was I, it happens to everyone." So it is treated as the norm and no one says anything. Why? Because sexuality is something people think they should be ashamed of, especially women. Forget having fun - although this too is important - I feel getting people to talk about it in an open atmosphere is a liberating experience.
Q: But the play does not deal simply with issues of sexual molestation. It also deals with very controversial topics: the message is that lesbianism, under-age sex, multiple sexual partners, prostitution, etc. is nothing to be ashamed of. What do you say to the critic who is strongly against sexual violence, but believes that the context of The Monologues prompts promiscuity and perversion?
AA: No, this is missing the point, it is not so at all.
NJ: There is not a single piece in The V Monologues that encourages promiscuity and only one piece is clearly about a woman with multiple partners. A lot of the pieces are about rape, how a woman is perceived by her husband within a marriage, about the clothes that she wears etc. Monologues in which the woman was not married to the man aren't about sex, but about how the woman perceives her own body. The play is a celebration of womanhood. I suppose some people will see this play as immoral. Some people still think that Shakespeare is immoral. It depends on who you are. I think censorship on PTV is immoral.
AA: It would have been very easy to sell this play out, run it for over two weeks and make oodles of money. But we didn't do it. Why? Because we didn't want people to think it is an exhibitionist piece. We are not promoting promiscuity or free sex. I didn't invite a lot of people I knew to the play, because I knew they would see it as sleazebag act. There are certain parts of The Monologues that one might not agree with. But at least I am clear about my choices, which is something not everybody can say about themselves. If this play opens the door and makes people realise that they do have choices, the play's objective has been achieved.
Q:Think about their sexual choices in a religious society that discourages all non-heterosexual sex or sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage?
AA: Look, the play makes people aware of sexual repression and encourages them not to feel ashamed.
Q: If this was the aim, would it not have been better to rewrite the monologues to apply more to the sensibilities of this society?
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