Jamia stops play over 'foul' language

A students' theatre group from a Delhi University college was forced to stop its performance mid-way when judges at Jamia Millia Islamia's (JMI) annual festival asked them to step down because of crass and abusive language used in the play.

A students' theatre group from a Delhi University college was forced to stop its performance mid-way when judges at Jamia Millia Islamia's (JMI) annual festival asked them to step down because of crass and abusive language used in the play.

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The infuriated students from Ramjas College alleged that they had informed JMI authorities about the contents of their play, including the use of abusive language, and had asked the authorities many times over if it was okay to perform.

"We asked the coordinators of the event over and over again whether it would be okay to perform this play since the theme involves the murder of a man by four young men in a bar who use excessively crass language. We wanted our play to be realistic and hence the language. JMI told us that performing this play would not be objectionable to them and that is why we went. The judges at the festival, however, humiliated us," said Dhwani Kapadiya, a member of the production team.

Authorities at JMI, however, denied that they were informed about the content and 'objectionable' language of the play beforehand.

"The Ramjas College team submitted a synopsis of the play 'Saint and Sinners' which did not indicate the use of abusive and crass language. The content of the play performed today was considered inappropriate in an educational institution by the judges," said Tasneem Meenai, dean, students' welfare, JMI.