Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Actor Shweta Tripathi Sharma, known for her powerful performances on screen, is stepping into a new role—that of a theatre producer—with the staging of the provocative and emotionally charged play ‘Cock’. The production marks her debut in theatre production and comes at a fitting time, coinciding with Pride Month.
Written by celebrated British playwright Mike Bartlett and directed by acclaimed theatre artist Manish Gandhi, Cock explores complex themes of identity, sexuality, and the fluid nature of love. The play is set to premiere on June 6 in Delhi at Max Mueller Bhavan, followed by a show on June 10 at Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai.
Speaking about her decision to produce Cock, Shweta said,
“Theatre has always been my first love. It’s raw, immediate, and leaves no space to hide—from the audience or from the truth. Producing a play like Cock is a personal and creative decision born out of my belief that storytelling should reflect the world in all its complexity and beauty.”
She further emphasized the play’s relevance in today’s sociocultural landscape:
“We are living in a time where people are finally feeling empowered to own their identities, and Cock doesn’t shy away from the discomfort or the beauty of that journey. It’s messy, human, and real. That’s what drew me to it. I want to be part of stories that make you uncomfortable in the best way—stories that spark conversations, empathy, and perhaps even change.”
The play features a strong ensemble cast, including Rytasha Rathore, Tanmay Dhanania, Sahir Mehta, and Harssh Singh.
About the Play:
First staged in 2009 in London, Cock is a minimalist and dialogue-driven play that examines a love triangle involving a man torn between his long-time male partner and a new relationship with a woman. It navigates themes of sexual confusion, societal labels, and the pressure to “choose”, all while highlighting the fluid and often unpredictable nature of human relationships.
A Timely Premiere:
The timing of the play’s release during Pride Month adds to its cultural resonance, offering Indian theatre-goers a bold, relevant narrative that challenges conventions and embraces emotional honesty.