Disrupted divas : conflicting pathways : a documentary /
"This ethnographic point-of-view documentary looks at the lives of socially marginalized women singers and dancers, referred to as tawaif, in three communities in North India. These women of the courtesan/red light districts are part of a tradition of divas, by virtue of their identity and hist...
| Corporate Author: | |
|---|---|
| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Video DVD |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[Place of publication not identified] :
[Sangeet Millennium],
[2010]
|
| Subjects: |
| Summary: | "This ethnographic point-of-view documentary looks at the lives of socially marginalized women singers and dancers, referred to as tawaif, in three communities in North India. These women of the courtesan/red light districts are part of a tradition of divas, by virtue of their identity and historical contributions as court entertainers. However, their status in society has fallen, due to historical and more contemporary, pragmatic disruptions that they encounter. The disintegration of what was once a great artistic tradition has made access to the mainstream diva identity very difficult, if not impossible, for these women to attain. This fact also negatively impacts their economic situation, often forcing them into prostitution. Despite the disruption of a once-revered tradition, we suggest that the efficacy of these divas can be discovered in their voices, both narrative and musical. It is important to note that their musical skill exists as an extension and expression of the hardships they face. In addition, challenging field conditions (small, crowded homes and a frequent lack of electricity) are reflected in the footage and emphasize the difficult living situations in which these women exist. Are there options? That is, can tawaif-s choose to relate, if only marginally, to a public that no longer respects and supports them? Or do they retreat from mainstream public and only operate within the realm of the counter-mainstream, often entangled in a cycle of crime and sometimes life-threatening exploitation? There is a ray of hope and empowerment for these women as grassroots performing artists, being supported by new, non-exploitative patronage"-- http://www.sangeetmillennium.org/research-scholarship/films/ (as viewed on 10/27/2010) |
|---|---|
| Item Description: | Title from disc surface. Videorecording. |
| Physical Description: | 1 videodisc (51 min.) : sound, color ; 4 3/4 in. |
| Format: | DVD. |
| Production Credits: | Producer/director, Amie Maciszewski ; producer/editor, Ms. Mars. |