Play Belly of the Beast subverts motherhood myths at Delhi Kamani Auditorium

The theatrical play 'Belly of the Beast' was staged at the Kamani Auditorium in Delhi, bringing a raw and surreal depiction of motherhood to the local stage. Produced by Aadyam Theatre and directed by Sheena Khalid, the production is adapted from author Kalki Koechlin's book, 'The Elephant in the Womb'.

The play aims to overturn conventional notions of gentle motherhood and subvert the "perfect mother" myth. The title itself, 'Belly of the Beast', is drawn from the biblical story of Jonah being swallowed by a giant fish in the Book of Jonah. This reference evokes themes of entrapment and peril, contrasting with traditional imagery associated with motherly bliss.

Instead of presenting an idealized version of parenting, the script ventures into psychological territory that is messy, contradictory, and deeply human. The production refuses to place mothers on a pedestal, focusing instead on the lived experiences of five women at different stages of motherhood.

The narrative charts their journeys as they navigate pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, raising a child, and miscarriage. To represent the immense emotional and physical upheavals these women endure, the play utilizes magical realism, mapping their struggles onto fantastical, mythical creatures.

Each of the five characters embodies a different creature. Luna channels the primal instincts of a werewolf, while Kalia's fury and frustration manifest as a dragon. Violet is depicted as being as conflicted as a vampire. Aranya yearns for the unwavering efficiency of a spider demon, and Twinkle represents the healing spirit of a unicorn.

Director Sheena Khalid grounded the performance in experiences that are both intensely personal and universal. By blending everyday realities with surreal elements, the storyline shatters the conventional Madonna-Medusa dichotomy, presenting a realistic portrayal of the maternal experience.