By Jennifer Beasley.
A sublime presentation, both beautiful and terrifying, of generational trauma from Domestic Abuse as told through a bespoke fusion of spoken word, dance, singing and music.
*** Trigger warning: Mentions of Domestic Violence.
As a critic, it can be challenging to review certain performances, especially those that present such a bespoke presentation, interwoven with a social justice message and supported, post-show, with educational and mental health support. In other words, a show with emotional punch that drills into your core and weighs as heavy as grief and stonier than hopelessness.
Such is the impact of And What Will People Say? A 60-minute magnetic flow of spoken word, Bharatanatyam (an expressive Indian Dance form), singing and Indian music written by Amani Mahmoud and delivered by BCD Theatre at FourtyFiveDownStairs.
Director and producer Kersherka Sivakumaran, who has won the 2025 Sydney Fringe Festival with this work, expertly weaves the Spoken Word elements, beautiful grace of the Bharatanatyam as danced by Gayatri Krishnamurthy, and the ethereal music of the veena, percussion and violin, to stirring effect.
As told through the vocal talents of the Narrator, Khema de Silva, a generational story told in three parts examines the emotional compression of the shrinking world of the mother, and her affected twins, but most notably her daughter, Anya. Focusing on the South Asian Australian experiences of Emotional Abuse from the husband, the lyrical poetry dips and circles around the social constraints of Silence. Silence not to speak out. Silence as the unspoken consequences to family back in India if you do. And the fear, shame and ostracisation of the woman who chooses to leave and divorce.
This production can be hard to bear at times. The girl sitting next to me dissociated by checking her phone, hand clenched tight in a fist. Breath holding in the audience was noted only when the well-disciplined breaks from the Spoken Word came into focus. The skilful music from Hari Sivanesan, Pirashanna Thevarajah and Narthana Kanagasabai elevate this into a spiritual truth of equality and beauty. The questions asked by Khema de Silva at the close of the performance, that it is the community that needs to change, support and reconnect with family units to stop the cycle of trauma provides the emotional plea to seek help. Do not be silent. Stop the trauma. Regardless of your race or culture, find your Voice.
A standing ovation was a testament that shattered the Silence.
Support was offered after the performance to the audience from UMEED Psychology and Maxiom Lawyers. UMEED Psychology are hosting Chai & Chat Circles on the following dates for anyone interested: A Men’s Circle held Saturday 25th July at Kathleen Syme Library, Carlton, and a Women’s Circle on the 1st August at the same venue. For further information please contact UMEED at 0423 740 065 or the library.
And What Will People Say? is playing at 45 Downstairs until 12th July 2026.
Image: Ian Coomar
