Unveiling the Legacy of Partition through Theatre: A Conversation with Michelle Mohammed
- BGDBlogEditor
- Mar 28
- 5 min read
By: Nievana Judisthir
NOTE: Please find the link to show tickets, as well as promo codes, at the end of this article. Please read the audience advisory before purchasing tickets. Thank you.
In a world where historical narratives often get lost or overlooked, theatre offers a powerful platform that brings untold stories to life. One such story is the Indian Partition—a traumatic chapter in World History that divided families, communities, and nations. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Michelle Mohammed, a talented Indo-Trinidadian actress, to discuss her role in Trident Moon, a play that explores the impact of the Partition on South Asian women. Through our conversation, we delved into Michelle’s journey as an actor, the importance of women’s voices in storytelling, and how theatre can spark critical dialogue about our shared history.
Michelle, whose family is from Trinidad and Tobago, shared that she was always drawn to the arts from a young age. “I was always curious about acting. I grew up creative, doing visual arts, singing, playing instruments, and dancing with my sister. My sister and I would even make plays with our cousin.” But it was not until her sister came home with a business card for a talent agency that she took the leap into acting. “I told my parents, ‘let’s just go and see what this is about’,” Michelle recalled, and thus began her journey into the world of television and film.
“Once I found theatre in high school, it unlocked something inside me that I’d never felt before. And I think once you feel that feeling, there's no going back,” she reflected.
As is often the case in the arts, Michelle was faced with the possible challenge of convincing her parents, but she was fortunate. “My parents were very supportive. They would take time off work to come with me to auditions and sets,” she shared. “They came to this country so I could do what they couldn’t. They always told me they came here so I could do what I wanted to do.” This unwavering support has been a vital part of Michelle’s career, allowing her to take bold steps into the theatre scene.
It was in this context that Michelle was invited to participate in a workshop for Trident Moon, a play that has sparked conversation since its inception. Written by Canadian playwright Anusree Roy and exploring the complexities of the Indian Partition, the play brings to the forefront stories that have often been hidden or neglected. As Michelle explained, the play was originally written in 2016 , and despite being nominated for the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize (an international playwriting prize honoring women and writing for the English-speaking theatre) no company in Canada would produce the play. While trying to produce her play in Canada, many companies were resistant to stage the production due to a critical assault scene. While no one in Canada would produce the play, one company in the UK did in 2016. “Anusree refused to remove the assault scene that was so central to the story, despite resistance from various theatre companies,” Michelle explained. “She said, ‘Until someone is ready to do it as is, I will wait.’”
The importance of this work, especially within the context of the Indo-Caribbean community, cannot be overstated. Michelle shared, “I was surprised by how many of my really
close friends—smart, worldly people—didn’t know about the Partition at all.” Through Trident Moon, audiences are introduced to a complex narrative that highlights the trauma of the Partition through the eyes of its female characters. “These are the stories we need to put on our stages,” Michelle emphasized. “Our histories are often undocumented, passed down generationally through oral storytelling , and these stories are important to reclaim.”
Michelle’s role in Trident Moon offers a rare opportunity for her to connect deeply with this important moment in history. The play explores the pain, loss, and resilience of women who lived through the Partition, bringing their stories into the spotlight. “What we can do as artists is reclaim our histories through our work,” Michelle said. “What Anusree is doing with this play is using drama to unlock something in audiences. It’s about evoking something and sparking curiosity about a part of history that may be unfamiliar to many.”
As we discussed the significance of the play, Michelle shared the power of oral storytelling within the Indo-Caribbean and South Asian communities. “There’s so much shame and trauma that makes people want to avoid talking about these parts of their histories, in particular women who come from these communities” she reflected. “But in the play, the events shared by characters help preserve that history. It’s a way to honour our ancestors and their experiences.”
For Michelle, the opportunity to bring Trident Moon to life on stage has been a deeply meaningful experience. She spoke passionately about the impact of female characters in the play, saying, “It’s a story about the resilience of several beautifully complex women, living through an unprecedented time in history ” And as Michelle’s own acting journey has shown, theatre is not just a career for her—it is a way to connect to her roots and her community, to bring forgotten stories to light, and to provoke important conversations.
When asked why everyone should see Trident Moon, Michelle responded with passion: “For me, theatre is a provocation. We present you with something, and hopefully, it unlocks something in you. It’s about evoking feelings and thoughts that you’ve never had before. [...] If we’ve done our job well, you’ll walk away thinking about something you never thought about before, or feeling something you’ve never felt before.”
As Michelle’s words suggest, Trident Moon is more than just a play; it’s an invitation to engage with history, to reflect on the stories of women who lived through the Partition, and to understand the power of oral histories. The play provides a window into a complex past that continues to shape the present.
Michelle’s journey from an aspiring young actor to a powerful force on stage is an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of theatre. Her dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices and telling important stories makes Trident Moon an essential experience for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of history, community, and the power of the arts.
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out Trident Moon—it’s a chance to engage with history in a deeply emotional and thought-provoking way. Michelle Mohammed’s performance, alongside the stunning work of the creative team, is sure to leave an impact long after the curtain falls.
Trident Moon Show Information
Michelle’s Website: https://michellemohammed.com
Tickets for Trident Moon: https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/trident-moon (Toronto) + https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/35945 (Ottawa)
Promo Codes for Tickets:
Code 1: SAFLAT50
Discount: $50 Tier B Adult ticket that includes tax and fees
Run Dates: Immediately to does not expire
Valid For: All performances of Trident Moon
Code 2: BOGOTM
Discount: 50% off Adult/Senior Tier A or B
Run Dates: Immediately to does not expire
Valid For: Performances of Trident Moon March 21-23
*AUDIENCE ADVISORY: Trident Moon is a dramatized depiction of the historical events surrounding the 1947 Partition of India. The play features sensitive content, including graphic portrayals of death and violence, particularly sexual and physical assault on women and children.
Additionally, the production includes the use of prop guns, simulated gunfire, strong language, and discussions of rape, torture, murder, decapitation, and derogatory language directed towards a character with a disability. Sensory advisories for this performance include flashing lights, theatrical haze, fog, and loud noises, which may be unsettling to some viewers.
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