The Victim Goddess

South Asian mythology revolves around a plethora of goddesses and women who are depicted as ideals of womanhood - domesticated, meek, loving and willing sacrifice themselves for their spouse and family, ability to absorb abuse without much protest, but above all are embodiments of chastity. This narration and dance presentation explores the fate of one such woman, Sita, and the duality with which society treats women. In Indian mythology, she was kidnapped, and her victimization continued even after escaping her abuser. The modern Sita shares the same fate and is victimized by society after being raped. This presentation that draws parallels between the fate of the mythological Sita a modern Sita. But this time, she is refuses to be a silent victim. This piece, is in part, inspired by Maya Angelou’s poems, “Phenomenal Woman” and “Still I Rise”.