Folk, Feminism, and Memory: New Cultural Dialogues from Jaipur
Alliance Française Jaipur is committed to amplifying marginalized voices in arts and culture. In collaboration with filmmaker and ethnographer Suruchi Sharma and folk archivist Supriya, we have spearheaded two compelling programmes at the intersection of feminism, folk traditions, and collective memory.
Presenting:
Main Jo Karti Woh Kyun Karti (Why Do I Do What I Do?) and Folk Sabha — two unique explorations of gender, tradition, and lived experience.
I. Main Jo Kari Wo Kyun Karti? - a multi sensory performance celebrating femininity and folk
"Main Jo Karti Wo Kyu Karti" emerged as a revolutionary musical theater that redefined artistic expression through the voices of Rajasthan's women folk musicians. This unique performance brings together five extraordinary artists—Hanifa Khan Manganiyar, Kamla Devi Bhatt, Mamta Sapera, Mewa Sapera, and Prem Kanwar Dangi—representing diverse communities and regions across the desert state.
Through sharing of their personal stories and their enchanting voices, these women challenge conventional boundaries, transforming traditional folk narratives into powerful contemporary statements. The title itself poses a profound question: "Why do I do what I do?"—inviting audiences to explore the deeper motivations behind artistic expression and cultural preservation.
This theatrical celebration transcends mere performance, becoming a platform for marginalized voices to reclaim their narratives. Each artist brings her personal struggles and her community's unique musical heritage, weaving together stories of resilience, identity, and transformation. Imagined as a space for free expression of the feminine by Suruchi and Supriya, the production stands as testament to the evolving role of women in preserving and reimagining folk traditions. Main Jo Karti creates space for authentic expression within traditional frameworks while questioning societal expectations and artistic boundaries.
II. Folk Sabha: mapping memories in folk
An immersive 90-minute experience deep diving on preserving and experiencing collective memories of India's folk performing communities, particularly focusing on the rich heritage of Manganiyar women's music.
At its heart lies a profound contradiction: technology as speed and memory, folk as a living, breathing way of life. Through multisensory storytelling, audiences witness three generations of artists - the late Rukma Bai, Hanifa Bai and Suwa Bai Manganiyar sharing their personal stories, music and their evolving relationship with modernity. This interactive musical session captures intimate conversations, while sonospheres and visual material create tech-enhanced environments that transport listeners into the artists' homes and communities.
This conscious, women-led initiative addresses the shrinking repertoire of marginalized communities through responsible technology. By mapping generational memories through human interaction and digital preservation, Folk Sabha creates sustainable ecosystems where nostalgia meets innovation. More than documentation, this is revitalization—ensuring these precious memories continue breathing for future generations.
