Feminist Eve Ensler to perform in Kolkata

American playwright Eve Ensler and Kolkata-based activists will have residents on their feet with a unique dance movement Dec 18 protesting gender based violence in sync with the One Billion Rising campaign.

Ensler, best known for the play "The Vagina Monologues", will collaborate with dance movement therapy artists, gender activists and youngsters.

"Together they will stage an inspirational performance, showcasing the power of dance and movement to amplify the voices of anti-gender based violence activists in India," said Sohini Chakraborty, founder-director of Kolkata Sanved.

The organisation uses dance and dance movement therapy as an alternative form of rehabilitation and empowerment for the survivors of human trafficking and violence.

In collaboration with Swar (the gender cell of St. Xavier's College), the event will add to the global campaign which utilizes the power of the performing arts, especially dance, to bring individuals together and advocate against gender-based violence.

Throughout the day, over 600 artists, college students, activists and as many as 160 youths from shelter homes will perform to showcase the power of dance to inspire others to stand up against gender-based violence.

The performances will span two venues here - Swabhumi and St. Xavier's College grounds.

Apart from theatrical acts, Ensler will give a short speech and perform on Tabla maestro Tanmoy Bose's beats culminating in an interactive dancing and drumming segment in which the entire crowd will participate, said Chakraborty.