Soul Sutras collaborated with the University of Berkeley California to run a series of writing workshops with their South Asian female-identifying student community. We explored the taboos faced by South Asian American womxn. We talked about their cultural experiences around the themes of sex, sexuality, shame, body image, domestic violence & other taboo topics within traditional South Asian culture. The most amazing stories came out of our workshops. And even more importantly, the sense of trust in sharing painful experiences & stories within the group was so inspiring. The project culminated in a video we shot collaboratively as well as a special episode of Masala Podcast. As well as a podcast episode exploring American South Asian identity – which is to date the most popular episode of Masala Podcast.
Masala Monologues workshops are safe spaces to explore our stories. Previous workshop attendees have called them “healing spaces.” And that’s exactly what they are. It’s a safe space for us to open up, talk to each other and explore the taboos as well as the richness that comes with being part of South Asian culture. We’ve run a series of writing workshops in London & the US over the past two years, where womxn came together, opened up to each other & wrote stories from their life experiences. These stories were then shaped and transformed into two theatre shows.
What happens in a writing workshop?
In the workshops, participants learn to tap into deep personal cultural experiences. Stories about the taboos that you’ve faced in your life, told from your unique cultural point of view. You’ll be able to talk to others who totally “get it”. And turn your stories into monologues. Which could then feature in future theatre productions of Masala Monologues.
“Being asked to explore how my culture and sexuality intersected helped unlock things that I would’ve otherwise have left unexamined.”
– ALEX D’SA, MONOLOGUE CONTRIBUTOR
“Having the opportunity to explore how my sexual encounters have been shaped by my Asian heritage and family expectations was a liberating experience.”
– KARINA JAYARATNAM, MONOLOGUE CONTRIBUTOR
“Perspectives on sex and sexuality from the often unheard voices of South Asian women.”
