Two actresses working with the authors of And They Lived…Ever After performed and read two of the stories from the anthology on 7th December 2024 at 4 PM at the Nehru Centre in Mumbai. Diiva Dhanoya, the actor and director of the show, in collaboration with actor Leena Wadhwa and authors Parita Dholakia and Kanika Agarwal staged a performance attended by 70 people.
The story “Deaf Snow White” written by Kanika, was brought alive in a performance by Diiva and Leena, where Leena took on the role of the Snow White. Diiva did a dramatic solo reading of “Beat Matching with Beethoven” written by Parita. The performers worked with the authors to understand the nuances of portraying disability on screen, and Kanika also helped the actors include ISL as part of their pieces.
The audience was comprised of regulars of the Nehru Centre, disability educators and primary school students from Mumbai. When asked for feedback, the students responded with affirming words highlighting their newfound awareness of disability representation in storytelling.
The event was made accessible with the support of Rising Flame. Sabina, an ISL interpreter helped communicate between the authors, audience and performers.