Creator: Mallika Taneja
Devised by Indian born Mallika Taneja, Be Careful begins with Taneja standing alone and completely naked on stage. She is surrounded by various items of clothing hung up or strewn around her. She remains this way for several minutes, staring out at the audience, occasionally fixing her gaze on one person for a moment. The audience was completely rapt by her, sat silently, in anticipation, studying her every breath. Eventually, the complete silence is broken by Taneja reminding us that we ‘have to be a little careful’. Her father always reminds her of this before she goes out and she in turn, is reminding us.
Taneja is fascinating to watch. Finding a balance between the seriousness of the topic and humour is an incredibly difficult task. She has a natural humour, it draws you in and makes you feel safe before hitting you with some of the most devastating lines of the show. She had the entire audience riveted from start to finish. After the first few minutes of contemplative silence she gently reminds the audience that “You can speak” after she poses a question. From there she holds every bit of attention as her monologue discusses responsibility, the ‘unofficial’ curfews imposed on women, keeping your head down and your elbows in and making sure your clothes don’t make men look at you ‘that’ way. The safety of women, particularly at night is explored through the show. She’s always home by 6, and if she has to go out after 6, she goes with her brother. If her brother isn’t available, she has to go with someone like her brother, but ultimately, there is no one like her brother. So she doesn’t go out after 6 or take the short cut after dark. Reminding us satirically that you have to take responsibility, she tells us the story of her friend who wore shorts on the bus and was looked at by men. After all, you wouldn’t leave a jar of pickle out and not expect people to want to put their fingers in for a taste.
Clothes are used as a powerful symbol throughout. Clothes are simultaneously a vehicle for self expression for women while also being used to disbelieve women who report sexual assault. Taneja’s performance and use of her body throughout invoke the familiar refrain ‘but what was she wearing’. Beginning with scarves, wrapped and tied tightly around her waist, hips and chest, she proceeds to add several pairs of trousers, underwear, different tops, shorts, 3 pairs of socks (including one pair covering her hands), a headscarf, sunglasses and finally a motorcycle helmet. Layer upon layer of clothing, covering the scarves and the pretty party dress she got for her office party. Ultimately no amount of the ‘right’ clothing is enough to prevent something from happening.
Powerful and thought provoking, Be Careful is a must see show. Although deeply rooted in its Indian heritage, the themes in Be Careful are applicable to a wider audience and will resonate with women globally.
Runs Until 11th Oct 2025.
