This fall, renowned actress Shabana Azmi toured the United States and Canada, captivating audiences with her solo performance in “Broken Images.” The play, written by Girish Karnad and directed by Alyque Padamsee, was presented by Prria Haider Productions and Priyanka Jotwani.
“Broken Images” is a compelling work that delves into the complex relationship between two sisters, exploring profound themes such as identity, language, and personal conflict. The play is staged as a one-woman show, a demanding format that places the entire narrative on Azmi’s shoulders.
She rises to the challenge, masterfully portraying Manjula Sharma—a Hindi short-story writer grappling with her sense of self, the shifting realities of her life, and the expectations placed upon her by society and family. Karnad’s writing, known for its psychological depth and exploration of social issues, finds fresh resonance in Azmi’s interpretation.
The North American tour encompasses major cities, including Trumbull (Connecticut), Chicago, the Bay Area, Vancouver, Raleigh, Boston, New York, and Toronto, offering a rare opportunity for theatergoers to witness Azmi’s artistry live.
The tour commenced on September 25, 2025, at Trumbull High School in Connecticut, where Azmi received a standing ovation at the end of her hour-long performance. Organized locally by Gayatri Mahesh, the event showcased Azmi’s extraordinary command of theatrical technique.
Her portrayal was marked by subtlety and restraint, making every gesture and pause resonate with the audience. The play’s television interview format required Azmi to seamlessly shift between emotional states and perspectives, mirroring her character’s evolving relationship with herself and her public image. This structure not only tested her range as an actress but also deepened the audience’s engagement, drawing them into the character’s internal struggles and triumphs.
Throughout the tour, Azmi’s performance has been lauded as a masterclass in solo theater. Her ability to sustain attention and create a dynamic experience in a minimalist setting is a testament to her experience and skill. The updated staging, with contemporary design elements and new settings in Gurgaon and Kamla Nagar, reflects the play’s adaptation for modern audiences. The protagonist’s transformation from Manjula Nayak, a Kannada writer, to Manjula Sharma, a Hindi short-story writer, highlights the fluidity of identity and language in today’s India. Azmi navigates these changes with authenticity and respect for Karnad’s original vision, ensuring the play’s relevance while honoring its roots.
One of the distinguishing features of Azmi’s performance is her choice to convey emotion through nuance rather than melodrama. This restrained expressiveness allows the play’s quieter moments to carry deep significance, inviting the audience to reflect on issues of language, self-perception, and reality. Azmi’s portrayal captures the emotional ambiguity of her character—caught between pride and vulnerability, certainty and confusion—demonstrating the maturity that comes from years of experience on the stage and screen. Her ability to embody these contradictions is what makes her performance so compelling and memorable.
The tour is not only a showcase of Azmi’s talent but also an initiative with a broader social impact. Organized by Prria Haider Productions and Priyanka Jotwani, the performances support Raëll Padamsee’s CREATE Foundation, with proceeds directed toward educational and artistic opportunities for women, children, and marginalized communities. This philanthropic dimension adds a layer of significance to each show, transforming the theatrical experience into an act of generosity and community building. Azmi’s commitment to social causes is well known, and this tour exemplifies her belief in the power of art to effect change.
Audiences across North America have responded enthusiastically to Azmi’s performances, with many viewers returning to theater for the first time in years or discovering her work anew. Azmi herself has expressed gratitude for the collaborative nature of the tour and the opportunity to connect with such a diverse array of spectators. She sees “Broken Images” as a powerful medium for exploring contemporary issues and fostering dialogue among different communities.
From Bangalore Origins to Global Stage
“Broken Images” traces its lineage to Karnad’s original Kannada play “Odakalu Bimba,” first staged in Bangalore’s Ranga Shankara in 2005. The play quickly garnered critical acclaim, earning awards and being produced in multiple languages, including English and Hindi (as “Bikhre Bimb”). The current adaptation, with its updated setting and character background, reflects ongoing efforts to make the story accessible and relevant to new audiences, both in India and abroad.
Thematic Depth and Artistic Collaboration
The play’s central themes—identity, language, and the nature of reality—are brought to life through Azmi’s nuanced performance and the production’s contemporary staging. The collaborative spirit of the tour, involving organizers, local hosts, and supporters, has contributed to its success and impact. Azmi’s interpretation of Manjula Sharma stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Karnad’s writing and the transformative power of live theater. Shabana Azmi’s North American tour of “Broken Images” is more than just a series of theatrical performances. It is a celebration of artistic excellence, a platform for social change, and a bridge connecting diverse communities through shared stories and experiences. Azmi’s hour on stage is a luminous example of the magic of theater—where art, empathy, and engagement converge to leave audiences enthralled, challenged, and inspired.
