>
> ’Offfbeat’ is the story of Mahesh who ‘comes out’ to his grandmother. A
> grandmother who is reluctant to accept him. So, Mahesh convinces her to join
> him and his group, consisting of homosexual men, transsexuals, transgenders
> and hijras, to try to understand their issues. The play is the journey of
> Mahesh and his grandmother exploring sexuality.
>
> Despite the serious subject, the play is a comedy. It uses satire to poke
> fun at patriarchy and society’s narrow vision of gender and sexuality.
>
> Zameer Kamble, Pune-based writer-director of the play, says, "For gay
> people, sexual orientation is a vital aspect of their identity. I wrote this
> play in order to bring about a level of acceptance and respect for members
> of the gay community. I hope ‘Offbeat’ at least makes people sit up and
> think. Putting it together was in itself a struggle, as I had to find some
> good, brave actors and get the censor certificate, which alone took over a
> year.
>
> "Many gay people either become a laughing stock or face brutal reactions
> and lack of understanding, both at home and in society,” says Kamble. “This
> lowers their self esteem, makes them vulnerable to infections like HIV, and,
> in the extreme, forces them to commit suicide.”
>
> ’Offbeat’ is also the first Marathi play to speak directly about the
> problems of homosexuals in India, from the social and legal perspective.
>
> Cast: Sagar Lodhi, Satish Sandbhor, Pravin and Sachin.
>
> Date of the show: Sunday, 26 April 2009, at 8.30 p.m (~duration 90
> minutes; one intermission)
>
> Venue details: Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, Dr.Bhalerao Marg, Khetwadi,
> Mumbai – 400 004. Nearest railway station: Charni Road (East) Landmark: St
> Teresa High School; 5 minutes walk from Charni Road station. Phone:
> 022-23856303, 022-23876158
>
> Ticket rates: Rs 150, Rs 100, Rs 50. Tickets available from 24 April 2009
> at the venue (Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh -- see address above).
