Gang rape, incest, 'consensual rape', abuse on transgender women and Colombo nightlife were some topics which drew attention at this year’s V Day. V Day, a concept initiated by the Grassrooted Trust, is a highly-acclaimed series of monologues and skits based on the interviews and testimonies of people the Trust has worked with. 

This year, the main focus was to spread a message to end violence against women and girls. Some of the performances included the role of a three wheel driver, played by Indu Dharmasena who parks outside nightclubs and watches the world go by; Michelle Herft, who played the role of a young woman who was accosted by three men; Dino and Dharini debated on the perceived ambiguities of “consensual rape”. In addition to that an interpretive dance based on research related to the abuse of transgender women in Sri Lanka too was performed. 

At the end of the programme some viewers had this to say: 

“It was a very good programme. I think they were able to convey a strong message.” – Manju 

“Very moving. Some very timely topics were discussed and I think the organisers have done a good job.” – Akiel 

“Quite disturbing but then again it’s the reality that they showed us.” – Rachel 

“A very good message was conveyed because many real life stories were taken as examples.” – Nilani 

“It’s the first time that I came to this programme and I feel that it is a very good eye opener.” – Oceanie 

“I feel that this is something very important because these issues are not broadly discussed like this. The topics were very timely and I feel that they should organise these programmes more often.” – Prabath 

“I came from France and this is the first time that I came to watch a ‘V Day.’ It’s quite interesting how they performed to show the reality.” – Shirooz 

“I do not know what they want to do by showing all these scenes. It would be better if they could also show alternatives, what other ways girls can be safe, how to face society etc. I am so glad that I came here.” – Vinu 

“We have been living in a bubble all this time and when we see these kinds of acts, it is really shocking. A very good eye opener.” – Nimansa 

“There was a very strong message. I think it covered many timely issues which we saw on news during the recent past.  A job well done.” – Sachi 

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe 
Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi