Leaping between a Heathrow immigration line and a rooftop in Karachi, Hanna navigates her political and sexual autonomy by embodying the image of a respectable Pakistani woman. Her best friend, Minza, has little time for respectability politics. Their tender friendship, set against the relentless backdrop of Karachi, is put to the test when Hanna moves to London to pursue freedom and independence, while Minza remains in Karachi to fight for freedom on the picket line.
Tara Theatre present’s Hunia Chawla’s Permission, at their own theatre in SW18.. The production will run from 30 May – 7 June, with an opening night on 2 June. Permission asks us to consider what liberation looks like between two Pakistani friends, the respectable Hanna (Anisa Butt) and activist Minza (Rea Malhotra Mukhtyar) as they explore the trope of ‘the oppressed Muslim woman’, and is directed by Neetu Singh. Through their journeys, the play casts a questioning eye on the trope of ‘the oppressed Muslim woman’; and the link between patriarchy, protest and the global political order.
Their work explores the complexities of our world through a South Asian lens, championing South Asian voices and artists, identifying new narratives, new ideas and new forms. Tara Theatre creates exceptional, innovative and politically charged theatre for now. For over four decades, Tara Theatre has supported the emergence of generations of South Asian performers, writers, directors, musicians and choreographers, and toured extensively both nationally and internationally.
Under the previous Artistic Director Abdul Shayek’s leadership Tara Theatre continued this work and more, creating innovative, politically charged theatre harnessing the power of co-creation. Natasha Kathi-Chandra took over as Artistic Director in 2024 and is currently presenting her enthralling first season of work. For tickets and further information about “Permission” please check out their website, with has details of other productions in Natasha Kathi-Chandra first season as their Artistic Director.
Rehearsal Images (c) Adam Razvi
