"And What Will People Say?": Kersherka Sivakumaran on breaking silence

“And what will people say?”... For too many South Asian survivors of domestic violence, it’s the question that keeps them silent. Theatre-maker Kersherka Sivakumaran flips that silence into art with her new work 'And What Will People Say?' at Sydney Fringe Festival. Merging her frontline volunteering with her love for Bharatanatyam and performance, she uses theatre to confront stigma head-on. In conversation with Suhayla Sharif, Kersherka shares how clarity of intent and artistic storytelling can turn shame into dialogue. Listen only on SBS Spice.

Theatre director and producer Kersherka Sivakumaran sits down with SBS Spice to explore art and its answers. Tap the audio player to listen.

Art is very subjective. It's not going to land with everyone and I think for me, it's just really important to be really clear and intentional with what we're trying to do on something that can be so grey.

Theatre maker Kersherka Sivakumaran on artistically exploring domestic violence

If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic or family violence, support is available.

Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

In an emergency, call 000.

SBS Spice is your go-to for South Asian Australian culture, exploring what makes us tick—or ick. Catch us on your favourite podcast platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and the SBS Audio app. Or tap the audio player to listen to the full episode.

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