Description
Written in a bold and provocative spirit, this collection of street plays delves into the complex landscape of gay identity politics with a raw and theatrical flair. The monologues centre around Jay, a singular character who embodies different stages of his life, offering a multifaceted exploration of his experiences.
Against the backdrop of homosexual sex, these monologues challenge not only societal norms but also provide biting satire on the bourgeois lifestyle, the struggles of unemployment, the world of male prostitution, the inner turmoil of the homosexual subject, the influence of religion, and the dynamics of right-wing politics.
Through powerful and evocative language, the street plays capture the essence of activism, aiming to spark conversations and raise awareness about the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. With unapologetic honesty, they invite readers to critically examine the intersections of sexuality, politics, and personal identity. This collection serves as a rallying call, encouraging readers to challenge societal structures and strive for a more inclusive and accepting world.
Read an excerpt here:
About R. Raj Rao
Raj Rao holds a unique position as an Indian author deeply ingrained in queer culture. He is best known for his books of poetry, BomGay, and the novel The Boyfriend. Due to his unwavering dedication to LGBTQ+ themes throughout his literary and academic career, he rose to prominence in Indian queer literature.
Riyad Wadia’s 1996 uncut short film adaptation of BomGay solidifies Rao’s influence and the significance of his work. R. Raj Rao stands out among Indian writers for the profound intersectionality of his personal experiences, literary works, and academic interests in queer culture.
Rao’s publications include:
FICTION
One Day I Locked My Flat in Soul City
The Boyfriend
Hostel Room 131
Lady Lolita’s Lover
POETRY
Slide Show
BomGay
For Hire
The Canada Album
PLAYS
The Wisest Fool on Earth: Ten Street Plays and Two Monologues
BIOGRAPHY
Nissim Ezekiel: The Authorized Biography
QUEER THEORY
Whistling in the Dark: Twenty One Queer Interviews (Co-edited with
Dibyajyoti Sarma)
Criminal Love?: Queer Theory, Culture, and Politics in India
TRANSLATION
Me Hijra, Me Laxmi by Laxminarayan Tripathi and Vaishali Rode
(Co-translated from the Marathi with P. G. Joshi)
