The House of Bilquis Bibi image from original production July - October 2010 photo courtesy of Tamasha Theatre

A communal reading of The House of Bilquis Bibi led by writer Sudha Bhuchar, exploring how patriarchal norms shape women’s lives.

Bilquis Bibi rules over her household with a rod of iron and a stifling love which cages her five daughters. Like butterflies forever cocooned, they long to shimmer and show their true colours.

When her husband dies suddenly, Bilquis agrees for eldest girl Abida to become engaged to her nephew Pappo. He brings with him the hope of love and the American dream.

Bilquis turns a blind eye to the illicit nightly visits Pappo pays to his fiancée’s balcony. But what will happen when she realises that more than one daughter is staying awake for him?