Sex-violence at epidemic levels globally: 'Nirbhaya' director

Mumbai, Mar 16: Theatre can play an important role in helping

speak up against sex violence, which has now reached epidemic levels globally, says acclaimed playwright and director Yael Farber whose award-winning play '

' makes its India premiere.

"Sex violence has reached epidemic levels universally and the more we can get people to talk about the issue, it is better. Theatre can play a role in initiating dialogue and help women raise their voices and break the silence," Farber told PTI in an interview.

"Nirbhaya" play will be staged in Mumbai, Delhi and B'lore between Mar 17 to 28.

The South African-origin director, who now lives in Montreal is bringing the play "Nirbhaya-Breaking the Silence" based on the December 16 bus gangrape incident in 2012 to the country.

It will be staged in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore between March 17 to March 28.

The seven-member cast stars five women, including "Delhi Belly" actress Poorna Jagannathan, TV actor Priyanka Bose, celebrity hairstylist Sapna Bhavnani and acid attack survivor Sneha Jawale, who narrate their personal experiences on sexual and gender based violence.

"These testimonies include dowry bride burning, child abuse, marital rape, gang rape - as well as the daily iniquities of sexual harassment on public transport and in the streets of urban India," says the director.

PTI