A Touch of Brightness

Synopsis

Bombay, 1960s. A dimly lit brothel in the red-light district

Rukhmini and Pidku form an unlikely alliance in the heart of Bombay’s notorious red-light district. Rukhmini, a young girl steeped in religious mysticism, finds herself sold into a brothel, while Pidku, a street-smart urchin, becomes determined to rescue her. In A Touch of Brightness, Partap Sharma crafts a poignant narrative that follows these two as they navigate the harsh realities of their world.

Set against the gritty backdrop of 1960s Bombay, the play unfolds as Rukhmini captivates Pidku with her visionary tales of gods and dreams of a different life. Their relationship becomes a fragile beacon of hope amidst the exploitation and despair that surrounds them. Sharma’s unflinching portrayal exposes the brutal realities of the sex trade while simultaneously celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.

Initially banned in India for its controversial subject matter, A Touch of Brightness has since gained international recognition. Through poetic language and complex characterisations, Sharma elevates the play beyond mere exposé, offering a nuanced examination of how beauty and horror can coexist in the most unlikely places.