‘Rise Up for Equality Festival is not just a series of performances; it’s a call to action’ | Mumbai News

Raell Padamsee and Lushin Dubey’s ‘Rise Up for Equality’ festival returns to Maharashtra this December 14-15. The festival uses theatrical performances to advocate for women’s safety and empowerment

The ‘Rise Up for Equality’ festival is set to make a return this month. Organised by Raell Padamsee and Lushin Dubey, this event combines compelling storytelling with a powerful call for societal change. Scheduled for December 14-15, it features captivating theatrical performances that emphasize the urgent need for women’s safety and empowerment.
Raell, the creative visionary behind the festival, emphasizes its deeper purpose, says, “With each passing year, through the ‘Rise Up for Equality’ festival, we aim to spark meaningful conversations, inspire change, and make Maharashtra a beacon of safety and empowerment for women and children.” She adds, “The festival is not just a series of performances; it’s a call to action. True social and attitudinal change can only be achieved when civil society comes together, united by a common goal. Through collective action, we can create a lasting impact and leave behind a legacy of equality, safety, and empowerment for future generations. This is the world we must strive to build for our children and grandchildren.”
The festival’s 2023 edition set a standard by collaborating with key institutions such as the Mumbai Police, Maharashtra Government, and Judiciary. It spotlighted women’s safety issues through impactful performances and initiatives.
This year’s festival continues its mission to inspire change through art, showcasing two thought-provoking plays that explore themes of resilience, justice, and the indomitable spirit of women. Over the course of two evenings, audiences will be immersed in narratives that challenge societal norms and celebrate women’s empowerment.
The opening performance on Dec 14, Lushin Dubey’s solo act inspired by Vijay Dan Detha’s ‘Nyari Nyari Maryada’ and Nobel Laureate Dario Fo’s Medea. This evocative tale follows a Rajasthani queen who defies entrenched patriarchal traditions to assert her identity, offering a powerful commentary on courage and resistance.
The next evening, audiences will witness ‘Aruna’s Story,’ a poignant tribute written by Pinky Virani and performed by Dubey. The play recounts the tragic yet inspiring true story of Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse who survived a horrific assault that left her in a coma for 42 years.