Mai Jo Karti Kyu Karti: A unique musical theater by women folk musicians of Rajasthan

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Harmonizing heritage and architecture, women folk musicians from Rajasthan intertwined their voices and stories, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of folk music and theatrical expression. Celebrating resilience and reclaiming the feminine in folk, this innovative event showcased the power of women in preserving cultural legacies.

Celebrating Women in Folk

In a captivating display of artistry and architectural brilliance, a unique folk musical evening was recently organized at Jawahar Kala Kendra that celebrated the invaluable role of women musicians in preserving and enriching folk cultures. The event, entitled “Main Jo Karti Kyu Karti,” brought together five talented women folk musicians – Hanifa Khan Manganiyar, Kamla Devi Bhatt, Mamta Sapera, Mewa Sapera, and Prem Kanwar Dangi – from diverse communities and regions of Rajasthan. Through their enchanting voices, they shared their journeys, stories, and artistic identities, creating an immersive experience that transcended traditional performance boundaries. This one-of-its-kind event was the culmination of a four-day residential workshop organized by the Jaipur Virasat Foundation in collaboration with Arya Niwas Hospitality, Studio Ainak, and Alliance Francaise Jaipur.

Women folk musicians of Rajasthan — Glimpse of the event

Preserving Tradition and Legacy

Women musicians have played a vital role in folk cultures, carrying forward the legacy of their communities through generations. Unlike their male counterparts, their engagement with the art form is driven purely by joy and a deep connection to their heritage, rather than a competitive space. They have been instrumental in passing forward traditions, ensuring the continuity of folk music. This event sought to appreciate and celebrate their significant contributions, shining a spotlight on their invaluable role in keeping the art form alive.

A Collaborative Journey

The workshop preceding the performance brought together women folk musicians and theater practitioners from Rajasthan. This convergence of diverse voices, experiences, and communities fostered an atmosphere of creativity and exploration. Collaborating with theater practitioners enabled the artists to delve deeper into their personal narratives, meditate on the intrinsic beauty of their stories, and reimagine their music in a fresh and innovative light. The workshop provided a platform for self-expression and experimentation, transcending the boundaries of conventional performance.

A Mesmerizing Musical Theater Show

The culminating performance at JKK was nothing short of extraordinary. Through a combination of music, theater, and storytelling, the artists shared their journeys, memories, and emotions with the audience. The songs performed evoked powerful nostalgia, reflecting the artists’ experiences of childhood, friendship, family, and love. The program, aptly titled “Main Jo Karti Kyu Karti,” aimed to celebrate womanhood and artistic identities.

A Unique Perspective

The program attempted to showcase women in a unique light, highlighting their comical, notorious, yet innocent side. The performances revealed the multifaceted nature of these women, challenging stereotypes and reclaiming the feminine in folk. Notably, this was the first time that women folk artists from different communities and regions of Rajasthan collaborated for a musical theater production. Their collective efforts resulted in a poetic and boundary-pushing experience.

Artistry Beyond Performance

The performance at JKK defied traditional staging conventions by utilizing unconventional spaces like the terrace and staircase. By doing so, it embraced the notion that folk is not limited to exotic performances but is a way of life. With no direction or flow per se, the performance flowed organically, embodying the essence of ‘folk’ as a boundless art form. The distinctive fusion of music, theater, and architecture created an immersive experience that transported the audience into the world of these talented women musicians.

Mediating the Journey

The workshop’s primary aim was to provide an intimate medium for the women folk musicians to express their journey and make it accessible to diverse audiences. Conversations, music, and theater served as powerful tools for self-expression, enabling the artists to navigate their creative paths authentically. Liberated from the need to solely please the audience, the workshop encouraged the musicians to delve into the depths of their work and find profound meaning within themselves.

The performance was a testament to the enduring power of women musicians in preserving and evolving folk cultures. Through their performances, they illuminated the resilience, beauty, and artistic identity woven into their stories and music. The collaboration between artists from different communities and the unconventional approach taken during the workshop as well as the performance marked a significant milestone in celebrating women in folk and redefining the boundaries of artistic expression.