Read the Play for Yourself

[jagjit_waheguru]

Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa!

Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

Pyare jio, I think we are fortunate the world media has moved on with other events, and the sikhs in the new although damaging was not as bad as I thought it could be.

The Sun - most read paper - no real coverage, apart from 2 inches on page 19. Nothing to worry about.

The Mirror - nothing substantial

The Express - full page coverage on page 5 - in favour of playwright, but does mention some sikh quotes. Nothing more damaging than TV news coverage

The Daily Mail - Biggest surprise of the day! - full page coverage on page 11, very similar to others, gives playwright better coverage, but does allow sikh comments. However on page 12, is a editorial by Stephen Glover. He is very critical of sikhs for 3/4 of article, but does say he admires us for standing up for our religion, and condemns Christians for not doing the same. He says the play is poor writing of a 3rd rate playwrite. He said if only Christian stood up more like this, Britian would be a better place.

The Guardian - Usually the sikhs best friend in mass media, is the not surprising the most critical of sikhs on this issue. Front page coverage mainly condemening sikh violence. Further coverage on page 4 gives extensive space to the artists lobby. Even the sikh rep, the Proffessor from Birmingham is highly critical of sikhs. Not very good at all!

The Times - extensive coverage on page 11. Similarly critical of sikhs, although has some sikh quotes. Has first comment from Gurpreet bhatti - will discuss in next mail.

The Daily Telegraph - Front page coverage - again damaging, very in favour of playwrite.

The Indepe

ndant - not sure what to make of this. This has the most coverage and front page has the scene from the play. (in next mail). Inside it has various opinion, but is clearly in favour of playwrite. However I the think reading the scene, most people will clearly see how bad the play really is?

Radio - I have only heard a few radio broadcast debate - although sikh leaders and the sikh playwrites spoke very well. In general, we clearly lost these debates. Not from lack of good argument, but from lack of young sikh getting up and phoning in to give opinions. Instead we have punjabis with sikh names making things worse by talking rubbbish about sikhi, plus a very clever and powerful media group. We really need to motivate themselves and act constructively, rather than just debate between themselves, and forget the rest of the world.

It is also worth pointing out that many of articles and friends around her seem to be from hindu names. read into that what you can. It is amazing how quickly khalistan issues are mentioned.

READ THE PLAY YOURSELF

Below is the a scene from the play. It was front page on todays Independent newspaper. before you read I must state, it is very shocking, and disturbing. I personally felt deep disgust only half way through. I definately suggest people take time to calm themselves after reading it. The character Mr Sandhu is a hindu actor in a Sikhi Roop, and it is set inside the gurdwara.

Courtesy – The Independent newspaper – 21/12/04

An offensive act?

Min is the frumpy daughter of Balbir Kaur. In this extract from Behzti - Dishonour ­ we find mother and daughter heading towards the local Sikh temple, the gurdwara, where Balbir is intent on marrying off Min with the help of Mr Sandhu. An apparently respectable local dignitary, he is reputed to keep a list of suitable local youths for the community's young women to wed. But he has a record of sexual abuse and rape. Two other women, Polly Dhodhar and Teete

e Parmar, know of Mr Sandhu's vices but are complicit in concealing them ­ whatever the cost to Min.

TEETEE: Here comes the bride.

MIN: Mother ...

BALBIR: Not now ducks, we're talking about you, not to you!

She chuckles. MIN approaches BALBIR.

MIN: Please mother...

TEETEE and POLLY notice MIN's bloodstained shalwar (trousers).

I don't quite know how to speak this ...

POLLY: Cursed girls and ladies do not come to God's house at that time of the month!

MR SANDHU approaches from the distance, but remains unseen by MIN and BALBIR.

BALBIR: For shitter's sake ... stupid girl!

MR SANDHU makes sure that POLLY and TEETEE see him.

POLLY: You should not have brought this disrespectful buffalo here, Bhanji.

TEETEE: Is it your intention to insult God?

POLLY: So much behzti. Nasty filthy dog!

TEETEE: Maybe it is up to us to teach her, Pollyji. For all our sakes.

MIN: But it's not my time.

TEETEE and POLLY drag MIN over so that she has her back to BALBIR. They show her mother the stain.

POLLY: Look at your dishonourable daughter, Bhanji.

TEETEE: Importing her dirty monthly blood into the gurdwara.

MR SANDHU discreetly exits. The ladies hold MIN firmly by each arm as if she were a criminal.

MIN: I haven't. Honest to God I haven't...

POLLY: Liar, liar pants on fire.

BALBIR: There must be some explanation ... perhaps she has the excitement because of the wedding ...

MIN: There's something mother ... I have to say. Privately.

BALBIR: A bride has no secrets from her bacholan.

MIN: What?

BALBIR: My friends are also your mothers.

TEETEE: There are no excuses for this unwelcome patch of red.

MIN breaks away from the ladies, in acute distress.

MIN: Please. I don't know what to do.

TEETEE: You are all muddled up.

MIN: No ... I&

#39;m not...

TEETEE and POLLY move towards MIN.

BALBIR: Keep your eyes on the medal, Maninder. That bronze disc you so merit.

POLLY: Shut up Bhanji. You leave this to us.

MIN moves away from the ladies.

MIN: Stay away from me, you ... cows.

BALBIR: Maninder!

POLLY: Such filth is coming out of her mouth.

BALBIR: Do not be hard on her ... please ... she does not understand the ways of usual people.

TEETEE: Then it is our duty to explain ... what is required of her under this roof.

The ladies move closer to MIN. Frightened, she turns away from them, but they carry on a menacing advance towards her. Suddenly she makes a run for it, but POLLY swiftly grabs her. They tussle.

BALBIR: Min ... we must realise ... it is occasionally necessary to follow a series of twisty side roads before one gets onto the motorway.

TEETEE joins POLLY and they start to beat and kick MIN. She cries out in pain. TEETEE drags her over to BALBIR who is close to tears.

TEETEE: Your turn Bhanji ...

BALBIR: It may appear harsh, but there are some ways of the world that you and I have to understand ...

BALBIR weakly slaps MIN round the face.

To adhere to ...

She slaps her again.

To get used to ...

There are shouts of "gundhee kuthi" (dirty <admin-profanity filter activated>) and "behsharam" (shameless) from the ladies as they continue to beat up MIN. MR SANDHU enters. TEETEE takes off her chooni (scarf) and gags MIN with it.

SANDHU: Stop this at once!

TEETEE and POLLY turn to face MR SANDHU.

We are not animals. Please try and maintain some decorum.

MIN remains on the floor, gagged, in a heap. MR SANDHU beholds her sadly.

All individuals make unforced errors.

BALBIR: Poor child, she has never recovered from the behzti of her father.

TEETEE: Must have inherited it.

POLLY: And you with your toilet trouble. None of it helps.

BALBIR: It doesn't.

SANDHU: I have a suggestion that may put a silver lining on this cloudy business.

MR SANDHU whispers in BALBIR's ear. TEETEE and POLLY bring MIN over to BALBIR and MR SANDHU.

MIN stands before them as though she is a pupil who has been sent to see the headmaster.

BALBIR: Dear Maninder, there is something ... there is the chance that something useful can emerge ...

MIN shakes her head vigorously.

All of a sudden my bladder feels full to the brim.

POLLY takes BALBIR's arm.

POLLY: Beerji, I fear her mummy's presence is fuelling her insolent manner.

SANDHU: Thank you for your kindness Polly Bhanji.

MIN makes desperate noises. POLLY leads BALBIR out. MIN'S getting increasingly upset. TEETEE unties the chooni.

MIN: (Screams) I want my mother!

TEETEE: First you have to apologise to Mr Sandhu.

MIN points at MR SANDHU.

MIN: He put himself inside me. (Indicates her <admin-profanity filter activated>) Here ... and he felt me ...

TEETEE: You are expected to say sorry.

MIN: He knows what he did to me. And so do you. And so does God. And you can break every bone in my body and defile me further and bury me here and we'll all still know. Because that's what happened. That's the truth.

TEETEE: (Shouts) Just say it!

MR SANDHU starts to cry.

SANDHU: What is a man to do? Then again she cannot help being a temptress. Perhaps I am at fault for being so easily enticed.

MIN attempts to run out, but TEETEE restrains her. There is a struggle which eventually TEETEE wins. She holds MIN around her neck. She drags her back to face MR SANDHU.

TEETEE: Say sorry you buffalo!

MIN: I won't.

TEETEE: Do it!

MIN: Never. I never will.

TEETEE: Does Balbir Bhanji like pain?

MIN: No... you cow... no!

TEETEE: Does she like to be hit and punched and scra

tched and all her clothes taken off?

TEETEE pulls her hair hard. MIN starts to cry.

One little word.

MIN is in agony.

My sons will <admin-profanity filter activated> her up the arse till she bleeds a river of blood.

MIN sobs.

Hurry up.

MIN: (Whispers) Sorry...

TEETEE releases MIN, she falls over in front of the desk. TEETEE goes over to SANDHU. Tearful and emotional, she spits on his feet.

TEETEE: She's yours.

TEETEE exits.

SANDHU: Are you hurt?

No response. MIN stares at the floor.

The first time there is bound to be some pain. It will get better.

Silence.

You remind me of him so much. I was unable to help myself. I adore you, you see ­ just as I loved your father. So damn madly. He was always scared of our passion. Embarrassed. And that's why he went the way he did. He broke my heart. But now he has come back to me, through you. (A beat) Would you like a sweetie?

MIN shakes her head.

Have this then.

He takes the BeeGees CD out of his pocket and hands it to her.

There is something I must ask you.

MIN looks up.

I just mentioned to your mother ... I was wondering if ... if ... you would like to marry me? When we are husband and wife there will be no need for all this.

Long silence.

MIN: (Slowly) You lied.

SANDHU: Why don't you take some time to think about it?

SANDHU goes to exit.

MIN: You've done this before haven't you?

SANDHU: Yes ... yes I have.

MR SANDHU exits. MIN beholds the CD. She attempts to hum 'Emotions' but cannot. The only noise that comes out of her mouth is atonal and off key. She tries to move about, but her stiff, tired body won't go anywhere or do anything. Exhausted, MIN slumps on to the floor. TEETEE comes back in.

TEETEE: (Gruff) Sometimes buffalo girl, you have to make a sacrifice. For the good of everyone, you realise?

r>No response.

You want some tea?

No response.

Sweet milky tea helps.

TEETEE goes to get the tea. BALBIR enters and approaches MIN.

BALBIR: Did he pop the question?

MIN nods.

And you are alright?

No response.

Was there something you wanted to tell me?

MIN: There's nothing.

BALBIR: Speak for shitter's sake.

MIN: Doesn't matter any more.

BALBIR: So you are happy to marry him?

No response. TEETEE comes back with a cup of tea for MIN.

I want you to be happy. Besides, he hasn't got much longer on this earth. You'll end up with the sort of bank balance that will attract a fine young specimen.

TEETEE eyes BALBIR coldly.

TEETEE: Quiet now Bhanji.

MIN: You have to sign Elvis' sheet mother.

BALBIR: I forgot about that shitter.

MIN takes the sheet out of her pocket. She struggles over to BALBIR and gives her the sheet, which BALBIR duly signs.

Yes, we will be alright now. Everything will be alright. You go and get things ready Maninder. I'll wait here.

MIN goes to exit. TEETEE holds out the cup of tea to her.

TEETEE: It's finished.

No response.

You'll be going home soon.

TEETEE reaches out to MIN. But MIN strikes her arm and the tea goes flying. MIN exits.

BALBIR: Forgive her, she has been a boil waiting to erupt.

TEETEE: She's braver than she looks.

BALBIR: Funny how things turn out. I, for one, was set on the list ... but such things do not allow for plain old-fashioned attraction. I didn't know she had it in her ... but perhaps she's more of a chip off the old block than I gave her credit for. Don't be perturbed by her demeanour. She's shocked I know, she's come over all strange... all because she can't believe her own bloddy bollocks. She came looking for a fish and caught a bloddy whale. Perhaps I'll be the one asking my son

-in-law for his list.

TEETEE: (Flat) There is no list.

BALBIR: What?

TEETEE: No <admin-profanity filter activated> list.

BALBIR: (Shocked) Bhanji?

TEETEE: You stupid old cow.

BALBIR: Of course there is a list. Mr Sandhu told me ... he talked to me ...

TEETEE: Did he ever show it to you?

BALBIR: No.

TEETEE: Did you ever ask to see it?

BALBIR shakes her head.

BALBIR: You're being silly.

TEETEE: It doesn't exist.

BALBIR: You're lying ... Teetee?

No response. BALBIR's getting more agitated.

Why would he say there was one when there wasn't?

What reason?

TEETEE: Why do you think?

BALBIR is paralysed with shock.

So that girls go up and see him. So he can force them.

And boys sometimes. He likes to rape people.

BALBIR: No he wouldn't ... he would never do that ... you said he is a gentleman...

TEETEE: I didn't.

BALBIR: You know he is ... we all know him ...

TEETEE: He did it to your girl.

BALBIR: You bloody liar. He loves Min and she will grow to love him. They fancy each other.

TEETEE: (Screams) Is that what you think of your daughter, you sick <admin-profanity filter activated>?

BALBIR: Why are you doing this Teetee? Why are you saying such evilness?

TEETEE: It's true.

BALBIR: How do you know?

TEETEE: (Flat) Because he did it to me.

BALBIR takes this in.

Right over there.

TEETEE points to a corner.

BALBIR: No ... no ... this is not ... is not feasible ... you are trying to trick me and confuse me ...

TEETEE isn't listening. She points again. She speaks in a matter of fact fashion.

TEETEE: They stripped me first and covered my mouth. Then he bent me over and pulled my hair. He was young then so he had better control. Your Mr Sandhu went inside me and took what was human out of my body. My m

other wept salty tears while she watched. Afterwards she beat me till I could not feel my arms or legs. Then she turned to me and said, now you are a woman, a lady. Now you are on your own, behsharam.

BALBIR: I told her to go in because he said there was a list.

TEETEE: They must have left you out Bhanji.

BALBIR: So you ... you stood by ... while I sent my Min ...

TEETEE: Yes...

BALBIR: But you ... you beat her ... you said she was at fault ...

TEETEE: I do my duty

BALBIR: You made me hit her.

TEETEE: You did that yourself.

BALBIR lunges at TEETEE. She misses her pathetically and lands on the floor.

BALBIR: (Fearful) It couldn't happen ... not before my eyes ... like this ...

TEETEE: It just did.

BALBIR: You let it ... you made it ...

TEETEE: I tried to warn you Bhanji.

BALBIR: You made me...

TEETEE: That's what passes.

BALBIR becomes breathless, it's as if she is having a panic attack.

I am sorry you were not aware.

TEETEE gets up to exit. Distressed, BALBIR shouts after her.

BALBIR: Where are you going?

TEETEE: Home. In a little while.

BALBIR: (Screams vehemently) This business isn't finished. You don't do that to my girl ... and just go home ... you don't ... you can't ...

TEETEE stands at exit. BALBIR crumbles.

(Despairing) What will happen to her now?

TEETEE: (Cold) Same as the rest of us ...

TEETEE exits. BALBIR breaks down. She cries out through her tears.

BALBIR: No. Never... never!

BALBIR sobs her heart out.

Jagjit singh - may I add please be calm in any response.

Gurpreet Bhattis first statement

Jagjit singh - it should be noted that this statement came via a newspaper article, its accuracy may not be 100%.

Sometimes people need to be offended, playwright insists

By Jack Malvern, Arts Reporter

GURPREET KAUR BHATTI issued a defiant statement from her London home yesterday in response to Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s decision to withdraw her play. The playwright, an established scriptwriter for theatre, television and radio, reacted to protests by releasing a copy of her play’s foreword, which anticipates controversy.

“[Courageous] writers sometimes cause offence,” she wrote. “But perhaps those who are affronted by the menace of dialogue and discussion need to be offended.” Ms Bhatti, who is a Sikh, said that her play was designed to probe the Sikh community’s stated principles of truth and egalitarianism.

She added that Sikhs were in danger of sweeping the issues of homosexuality, rape and suicide under the carpet. “I wrote Behzti because I passionately oppose injustice and hypocrisy,” she said.

Probably the most controversial scene is when an elder, who has been outed as a homosexual, grabs a naive Sikh girl in the temple as she tries to flee. Stage directions state that the girl’s protests should merge with religious singing by worshippers. The next scene shows her hobbling and covered with blood.

The violent protests are a marked difference to the response to her debut play, Behsharam (Shameless), which broke box-office records for a new play at the Birmingham Rep when it opened in 2001.

Jagjit singh - We should now look at this situation with sehaj (calmness). Learn from Sahib Siri Guru Tegh Bhadhur ji - "threaten no one, and do not be threatened by anyone". Lets defeat Gurpreet in the arena of debate. In mass media this issue has died unless another theatre starts it agian. So lets try to bring our view to the fore in a proper manner.

There is a debate in The Times on this issue. The Times is a very influential paper with the main decison makers in Uk. Please take time to contribute with intelligent mails in a very proffesional Gurmat manner.

DEBATE

Should free speech be subjected to religious sensitivities?

Se

nd your emails to

debate@thetimes.co.uk

Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa!

Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

[jagjit_waheguru]

Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa!

Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

Pyare jio, before someone says stick to on thread. I have started this one because current one is more concerned with mudslinging in brom politics, than constructively doing seva. ( sorry disheartened by young sikhs repeating elders faults, but do not want to judge)

Also i know long post, but I thought all new info should be on one thread.

Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa!

Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

[uk_khalistani]

Let the offensive being! ahmmmm I mean debate :wub:

I've bombered many websites, talk shows, tv programs with replies giving our objections to the play and what effect it has on us as a minority community within the UK. I think people who were intially taking the side of the wench (Gurpreet Bhatti) are now coming round to our points of view.

Many of her friends seem to be Hindu leaders and professionals in media. But the average Hindu in the UK, I think support our stance, I'm sure they would do exactly the same sort of thing had a play been written about their community like this.

Ok request for more Sikh girls and women to get involved please. Some in the media are under the false impression that only elderly turbanned Sikh males are objectting to the plays setting, however I know some Sikh girls who attened the demo's and many other from different faith groups who support our cause. So spread the message this is vital for the media war that the anti-sikh scumbags have started.

[AK-47]

Just to say a big congratulations to all the press in the UK, they have really shown us just how dirty and disgusting they are.

Just saw two news reports, one was about violence on saturday... as has been mentioned, 2 broken windows, ...

2nd report was about violence in west brom which left one man with serioud head injuries and the second with serious stab wounds... they spent about 10 seconds on it!

How do these bastards sleep at night?

I really know how the muslims in the uk feel now, utter frustration but no way in which to express it or explain oneself! The press has blown things so out of proportion its beyond a joke! If i do ever meet someone from the press in the future, i know what my select words for him will be.... something off!

Same goes for the ignorant, racist and heavy handed police! Behind closed they virtually admit to their actions which led to trouble, but would never say it to the public face! Can u believe that, they actually dnt deny that they were wrong in the way they treated protestors during the week, and on sat also before the trouble started!

One officer was heard saying to around 5 others.... 'I wish i could spray (cs gas) all of these .... (not audible)'. when the singh asked him to repeat... he refused and so did his work mates!! but didnt have the balls to look the singhs in the face when they asked them to deny saying that comment!!!

As one singh said, if these people want to segregate us and drive wedges, then cool, f*** them!! tell the police to p*** off next time they want to visit the gurdwara, seriously. Tell the police that we have had enou

gh of both you and the fu***d up media, so both of u can go screw!

[Nama Singh]

the following will appear in the Guardian tomorrow.......

===== Begin: Letter sent to The Guardian, Tue, 21st Dec 2004 =====

Dear Editor,

So the vilification of another ethnic minority begins. It is shameful that the media was not prepared to provide even an iota of the current coverage when thousands of Sikhs marched peacefully through Central London in June, on the 20th anniversary of the attack on the Golden Temple or when; after the Sept 11th attacks Sikhs were disproportionately targeted and abused as a result of our appearance. The lack of coverage on these and other issues of great importance to Sikhs speaks volumes.

As a Sikh I have been present on many marches and demonstrations; ranging from protests against Nazi's through to anti-globalisation protests. On occasions there has been violence by some elements of the demonstrators; often on a much larger scale than was witnessed on Saturday night in Birmingham; however the consequence is not that whole sections of those "communities" are vilified as a result. Why the difference now? Is it because we are just that little bit more different and how dare we stand up for ourselves?

It is ironic that the sensibilities of the arts community have been upset; as they now have some understanding of how the feelings of the Sikh community were similarly outraged. Maybe they believe that they are the only ones allowed to be outraged? Threats against the author and the violence (more limited than what many witness on a normal weekend night) are to be deplored and the vast majority of the Sikh community have condemned these actions by a minority of people.

It is

also pertinent to point out another fact that has been consistently underreported; namely that Sikhs had protested peacefully on a number of occasions throughout the week and that the Birmingham Sikh Community were not asking for the play to be banned but for some changes regarding the setting of the play.

It appears that the theatre and the play write set out to gain notoriety by continuing regardless with their production; which they have now achieved. If the theatre was seriously interested in consulting then they should have listened and acted accordingly; however this has all the hallmarks of a situation that Sikhs are all too familiar with; to give the appearance of being in consultation when the real intention could not be further from the truth. It would have been clear from the start to the theatre that such a setting would have aroused great emotions in the community or maybe that was what they were gambling on all along?

Your sincerely

Surinder Singh

---- END -----

[AK-47]

aman is that def goin in?

[Nama Singh]

hanji, the writer has been intouch and says he had a phone call earlier from the Guardian saying it should be going in, in tomorrows edition...

[Gill]

hey guys,

maybe all this is just a lesson,

not to judge anyone after watching the news,

:T:

[Sunny]

Hello all,

when I first heard about this issue, I did not know about this ..

"It is also pertinent to point out another fact that has been consistently underreported; namely that Sikhs had protested peacefully on a number of occasions throughout the week and that the Birmingham Sikh Community were not asking for the play to be banned but for some changes regarding the setting of the play"

The above quote has completely changed my view of this issue. Originally I was dissappointead at the Sikh community over there, having read from the news that Sikhs engaged in violent acts and threatened the life of the individual who created this controversial play.

However, I personally am not offended by what this play portrays. It is simply a play, a piece of artistic work that someone wishes to get across to an audience. It will not impact our daily lives as Sikhs, it will not diminish our religion or affect it in any way whatsoever. Sikhi will continue to thrive and grow, even if this play is shown to a live audience.

At the same I share the general attitude against this play - it's dispicable.

Fateh,

- Sunny

[lakhvir]

aman is that def goin in?

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh!

KhalsaJi,

Here it is:

--------

http://www.guardian.co.uk/letters/story/0,...1378273,00.html

So the vilification of another ethnic minority begins. It is ironic that the sensibilities of the arts community have been upset; as they now have some understanding of how the feelings of the Sikh community were similarly outraged. Threats against the author and the violence (more limited than what many witness on a normal weekend night) are to be deplored and the vast majority of the Sikh community have condemned these actions.

But it is also pertinent to point out that Sikhs had protested peacefully on a number of occasions throughout the week and that the Birmingham Sikh community were not asking for the play to be banned but for some changes.

If the theatre was seriously interested in consulting then they should have listened and acted accordingly; however this has all the hallmarks of a situation that Sikhs are all too familiar with - to give the appearance of being in consultation when the real intention could not be further from the truth.

Surinder Singh

Gravesend, Ken

-----

Good one, SinghJi. Thank you for letting your voice, and of the Sikh panth,

heard loud and clear - amongst all the hoo haa of the so-called 'Westen Culture' and 'Rules of the Adopted Country'. Same old racism that they ruled their colonies with, same old stuff. Now they cannot accept challenge, right at home, and look how they sob. I feel so sorry for these guys (media and 'champions of free speech') - they don't have a spiritual culture to nuture and neither will they understand the sentiments of an oppressed and gagged world minority. What they forget is that ultimately, Truth will Triumph - and triumph it will because the champions of its defence live and die but they will never run out.

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh!

L*