Hunia Chawla’s first play, Permission, will debut at London’s Tara Theatre this month, telling a story about patriarchy, protest and the global political order.
Leaping between a Heathrow immigration line and a rooftop in Karachi, Hanna navigates her political and sexual autonomy by embodying the image of a ‘respectable’ Pakistani woman. Her best friend, Minza, has little time for respectability politics.
Their tender friendship, set against the relentless backdrop of Karachi, is put to the test when Hanna moves to London to pursue freedom and independence, while Minza remains in Karachi to fight for freedom on the picket line.
In a story that casts a questioning eye on the trope of ‘the oppressed Muslim woman,’ Anisa Butt stars as Hanna with Rea Malhotra Mukhtyar stars as Minza & Anushe.
The creative team sees writer and producer Chawla joined by director Neetu Singh, producer Butt, set & costume designer Amanda Ramasawmy, lighting designer Ali Hunter, sound designer & composer Pierre Flasse, stage manager Shuyin Wang and production manager Sean Laing.
Permission runs at Tara Theatre from May 30 – June 7, 2025. Tickets: Permission