In the aftermath of the communal carnage in Gujarat, AIDers' response in the US included a number of symposia, talks and public events. However, India's first televised riots also invoked an emotional response and volunteers expressed these through songs, vigils and plays. One such effort is the home-grown production, "Mat Baanto Insaan Ko". Performed and written by novice actors from AID and the University of Maryland, the play is directed by Shirin, a veteran activist for communal harmony.

The events in the play are set in a Gujarati city during the riots in February and March this year. The main protagonist Manubhai dispatches murderous squads, conspiring with the police, party cadres and chief minister. Soon after, he discovers that his daughter is trapped in a Muslim neighborhood. The tables turned, Manubhai calls up his official collaborators, only to be denied help - "We have no orders to help you, Manubhai," says the police inspector, echoing the responses received by many victims in the riots. Following the performance, Shirin and other actors answer questions from the audience.

Mat Baanto Insaan Ko explicitly tackles controversies specific to these riots. Mobs are faxed voter lists, mass media perpetuates rumors and the police is diabolically "neutral". Broader questions are also debated.

- What is the Muslim population is allowed to grow faster than the Hindu population?

- Is a Hindu one who does not eat meat?

- Are Muslims unpatriotic?

The direct manner in which the play addresses these questions is simplifying, without being simplistic. "We want to be direct because that is the most effective way to communicate the message," says Aniket Desai, one of the actors. The desire to be as accurate as possible has forced constant adaptation. "To remain relevant, the script is changed each time to reflect new political realities," says Sameer Dossani, another actor. Recent performances have included references to threats of war and nuclear posturing.

The actors are excited that Mat Baanto Insaan Ko has been well received. After three performances in Maryland, they travel next to Philadelphia and New York. "This play has helped me understand more about using art for social change," says Vanaja Jaligam who is acting in her first play. "Ever since the Kargil conflict, I wanted to contribute to social causes through artistic means - the Gujarat violence moved me to take on a more proactive role in the anti-communal struggle."

Contact Tarun for more details or for the script of the play.