IAGB and SETU stage a virtual play to help fundraise for local pantries and shelters

IAGB (The India Association of Greater Boston) has been working through the pandemic bringing innovative programs for adults and kids as part of its fund-raising endeavors under the IAGB Cares Relief Fund. The IAGB Cares Relief fund has been supporting local pantries, food banks and homeless shelters since the COVID-19 pandemic began. 

This weekend, IAGB and SETU (Stage Ensemble Theater Unit), in partnership, present a thrilling murder mystery play in an innovative virtual format - “Seven Steps around The Fire”. This play is written by the famous playwright Mahesh Dattani and is directed by Subrata Das. 

IAGB invites you to watch this thought provoking and intense play and in the process support IAGB’s fundraising efforts to help local food banks and homeless shelters. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to supporting them. 

Prosecuted by the system and misunderstood by society, Dattani’s Seven Steps Around the Fire introduces us to the world of the transgender community in India that has largely been ignored. At some point or the other, when presented the opportunity to interact with the members of the transgender community, most Indian population have followed the norm and overlooked their plight. 

When Director of the play and co-founder of SETU, Subrata Das, started working on the play, as one of the first steps, he organized a workshop on hijras and transgenders to empathize with and understand this community as preparation for the acting roles for Seven Steps around the Fire. Subrata Das said, "SETU is very excited to have this fundraising collaboration with IAGB. Dattani's play is a gripping crime thriller, highlighting some deep-rooted social issues of Indian society to raise awareness. A virtual enactment is highly challenging but we are overcoming through many innovative ways to take it to the audience." 

IAGB’s President Sanjay Gowda said “IAGB is happy to partner with SETU to present this exciting murder mystery that has a social message to the New England and the global audience. We invite you watch this play this weekend and help us help local pantries, food banks and homeless shelters. The local pantries are in dire need of food items and essential supplies. Please buy tickets and donate generously for a great cause.” 

The play will be virtually presented on Sat 19^th and Sun 20^th at 7 pm ET. *Viewer discretion is advised for strong language. 

The cast for each day is different so viewers can enjoy the play on both the days. Tickets are priced beginning $10 and those who donate $50 or more will get a IAGB t-shirt or SETU mask. 

Tickets are available at https://iagb.org/cares-fund-setu/

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