Backed by Arts Council England and helmed by Pakistani rising star playwright Hunia Chawla, PERMISSION follows the trials and tribulations of Hanna as she wrestles with the expectations and perceptions of being a ‘respectable Pakistani woman’, whilst navigating a move to London to become the epitome of her feminist imagination…or so she thinks.
Developed from a lauded scratch performance of the same name last year, the two-handler is led by the talented Anisa Butt (Netflix's "Brahman Naman" and the recent regional tour of "Welcome to the Jungle") and rising star Rea Malhotra Mukhtyar (“Coconut” at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe). A layered gripping narrative that transcends cultural boundaries- PERMISSION offers a unique perspective on the immigrant experience, weaving between the bustling streets of London and the rooftops of Karachi.
Director and writer Hunia shared “With PERMISSION I aimed to create a narrative that reflects the nuances of cultural identity and the universal struggle for autonomy. This play is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of being a Pakistani woman in a rapidly changing world, and I'm excited to share Hanna's journey with audiences."
Anisa added “Collaborating on PERMISSION has been an incredibly rewarding experience. As both an executive producer and co-lead, I'm deeply invested in bringing stories like Hanna's to the forefront. This play challenges stereotypes and celebrates the resilience of women like never before, and I'm honoured to be a part of it.”
PERMISSION will have six performances across 5 days at The Space Theatre from 28th May to 1st June 2024.
PERMISSION Synopsis
Hanna has always negotiated her freedom by playing into perceptions of being a ‘respectable woman’. Until she makes her big move to London. Now, leaping between an immigration-line at Heathrow and a roof-top in Karachi, Hanna finds herself torn between love for community, and rebellion against it. In her quest for ‘liberation’ in the West, she finds herself playing hide-and-seek with its antithesis.
Creative Team
About Hunia Chawla:
Hunia Chawla emerges as a rising star in the world of theatre, poetry, and direction. Hailing from Karachi, Pakistan, Hunia is an alumna of the esteemed Old Vic TheatreMakers Programme (2023). Her debut as a playwright at Camden People's Theatre with a scratch performance of "Permission" in June 2023 heralded her as a bold voice in contemporary theatre.
About Anisa Butt:
Anisa Butt is an accomplished creative in the world of storytelling, showcasing her talent across theatre, film, and spoken word. Currently gearing up for the debut show PERMISSION under the direction of Hunia Chawla, she has had standout roles in acclaimed fringe productions like "Vitamin D", “ Welcome to the Jungle” and "Halal Hens." With memorable appearances in projects like Zoya Akhtar’s Bollywood hit "Zindigi Na Milegi Dobara" and Netflix’s "Brahman Naman," Anisa has continuously pushed boundaries, breathing life into every character she embodies. Her cinematic presence is equally compelling, with roles in the Disney India show "Ishaan" and the award-winning short film "Raja's Had Enough." Beyond acting, Anisa is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and kindness, amplifying underrepresented voices and mentoring emerging storytellers. As a finalist for BBC Leeds' "Words First" and a mentee with Story Compound and B3 Media, she pays her success forward, nurturing the next generation of creatives.
About Rea Malhotra Mukhtyar:
Rea's first foray into acting occurred at the age of 8, and since then, she has continued to perform on stage, radio, film, and TV. Additionally, she has worked as a teacher across schools in Bombay and has published award-winning children’s books. A passionate storyteller and performer, Rea made her Edinburgh Festival Fringe stage debut last year to much acclaim, starring as the lead in “Coconut”—a one-woman tragi-comedy love letter to brown girls.
Dates
28th May – 1st June, 8:00pm; 2:00pm Saturday matinee; livestream 31st May and available on demand for two weeks
For more information, visit space.org.uk/event/permission/
