Written and directed by Salma Mir, the play Be-rangi say Naranji tak ka safar pays homage to home-based, financially independent women workers who strive day in and day out to overcome the obstacles they face in supporting their families.

A pivotal element of the #KoiJawaazNahin campaign, which celebrates 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the play tells the story of a middle-class family with four individuals: Farhana (wife), Zubair (husband), Sana (daughter) and Hamza (son).

Farhana stitches clothes and sells them to customers with the help of her friend, Zubaida. Sana and Hamza are students. The former is colour blind but has a knack for sewing clothes. Zubair, her father, doesn’t approve of her hobby of knitting. He sees it as a waste of time and money and a hassle for the family. Things change once Farhana pays the medical bills and leads her family out of a financial crisis.

The vibrant symbolism embedded in the set design and dialogues contributes to the richness of the storytelling. The use of orange and purple hues reflects the multifaceted nature of the characters’ lives. The charpoy is a powerful metaphor for embracing simplicity and humility in the face of societal expectations.

Dialogues in the play highlight the importance of women’s financial independence. Farhana echoes the sentiments of the audience when she says: “Baat sirf paison ki nahin, humaray hunar or qabiliat ki hai. Hunar aurat ko mazbot banata hai. Mard kay shana bashana kaam karnay ki quwwat deta hai.” [It is not just about money. It is also about skill and ability. Learning skills gives a woman strength. It enables her to work alongside a man.]

The play not only shed light on the challenges faced by home-based workers but also served as a poignant commentary on societal attitudes towards women pursuing their passions.

Mir’s choice of addressing the hidden aspects of characters’ lives through purple curtains adds depth to the narrative, inviting the audience to contemplate the complexities that women navigate in their pursuit of financial independence.

At the end of the play, the girl who couldn’t see colours, can see the world in many colours. This shows how women’s control over their decisions and money can illuminate an otherwise dark situation.

The play was an eye-opener. The actors skillfully portrayed the struggles and triumphs of the characters, emphasising the transformative power of financial independence for women.

The play not only shed light on the challenges faced by home-based workers but also served as a poignant commentary on societal attitudes towards women pursuing their passions.

The writer-director of the play, Salma Mir, said at the play’s debut: “Through this play, we’re aiming at collective social change. Our message is that women, like men, have the right to pursue their passions and gain financial independence.”

The writer is a Google-verified author, BoTN-nominated writer, freelance journalist and a published poet