All the world’s A Stage

Entry 22

Synopsis: We are often called ‘Negroes’. People shout, “Hey, darkie! Come here.’ Settled mainly on the west coast of India, the sides are a small community that came from east Africa about 800 years ago. Centuries of discrimination and indifference have pushed them down the socio-economic ladder, but their unique devotional music, in praise of a Sufi Saint, has given them a strong sense of identity & stability.

All the world’s Stage weaves together the lives and aspirations of a motley group of men- shopkeepers,drivers, carpenters, masons- who make up an internationally successful performance group called Sidi Goma.

As they climb up the popularity charts, they find themselves at the crossroads, where they must expand their repertoire or else fall into trap of repeating themselves. Despite community restrictions, it is time they allowed their women on stage. Other questions arise: How does the younger generation relate to the tradition? Do they belong in India? Should they migrate in search of a better life?

Dreams, memories & stories criss cross with journeys as the group performs all over India & abroad. The film celebrates the joyous energy of their ritual songs and dances, even as it traces their struggle to survive, and to win respect in a world that threatens to marginalize them even further.