Research & Writing | It's Private

Writing

Alongside the performance, this project lives on the page. Case studies, research, shared language, reflections, and community submissions create a space for context, conversation, and deeper engagement—offering audiences multiple ways to enter, question, and connect with the work beyond the moment of performance.

Research & Context

Accessible summaries of academic research, data, and frameworks that provide cultural, social, and systemic context for understanding IPV in South Asian communities.

Reflections & "About the Project"

Personal and practitioner-led reflections that explore the emotional, cultural, and intergenerational dimensions of IPV through lived experience and artistic response.

Community/ Interviews

Anonymous or attributed contributions from community members that create space for collective voice, resonance, and shared learning beyond the performance.

Neruñji

Scientific Name: Tribulus terrestris Common English Names: Caltrop, Puncturevine, Goathead, and Devil’s Thorn The official emblem of It’s Private is the neruñji ( tribulus terrestris ) - a hardy, invasive weed native to the drier regions of South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa. This plant is infamous because its bright, yellow flowers bear fruits with 2-4 sharp spines that can puncture bare feet, hooves, shoes, and rubber bicycle tires. Quite hazardous to both hum

kiranvrjames

Jan 272 min read

Our Emblem

Early in our research for It’s Private , we came across this 2,000-year old Tamil poem by Aḷḷūr Nanmullaiyār in which the speaker likens her wayward lover to neruñji in the excerpt below. Sadly, not much is known about this female poet and bard, but several of her poems - and those by over 40 other women - are part of the rich canon of ancient Sangam poetry. We immediately thought that neruñji was not only the perfect symbol for the production but also a fitting tribute to t

kiranvrjames

Jan 231 min read

Our Ethics of Engagement

This is not a project that seeks to sensationalize harm, extract stories, or compress complex experiences into easily consumable narratives. It does not ask survivors to disclose, perform, or educate at the expense of their own safety or well-being. Participation—whether through art, conversation, or reflection—is always self-directed, and engagement is invited only at a scale that feels appropriate to each individual. Instead, It’s Private encourages collective self-reflect

Reflections

Megha Sanjay

Jan 211 min read

What exactly is "It's Private?"

It’s Private is rooted in the belief that meaningful change begins with understanding—and that understanding cannot live in a single format. In addition to the stage work, the project includes panel discussions and community-based events developed in collaboration with cultural organizations, researchers, clinicians, universities, and social-service agencies. Each partner contributes a distinct perspective, helping ensure that the work remains both grounded and accountable.

Reflections

Megha Sanjay

Jan 111 min read

Introducing It’s Private

Why did we start this project? When the idea of creating a production centered on domestic violence was first introduced, there was no hesitation—both because of the urgency and potential impact of the theme, and because it offered the opportunity to initiate a new artistic collaboration. Coming from distinct dance lineages and lived experiences, the prospect of creating together—and being challenged in unfamiliar ways—was immediately compelling. At its core, It’s Private i

Reflections

Janya Arts

Jan 91 min read