Written and performed by award-winning actor and writer Dipti Mehta, this captivating solo performance unveils the remarkable story of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, a forgotten freedom fighter whose legacy deserves recognition. This powerful tribute celebrates a woman who broke barriers, fought for justice, and left an indelible mark on Indian history. This performance is co-produced by The Reiff Center for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution at Christopher Newport University and CNU's Ferguson Center for the Arts.
Dr. Dipti Mehta is an actor, writer, speaker, activist, former scientist, dancer and a mom. She holds bachelor and masters degrees in Microbiology and a doctoral degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a focus in Cancer Biology, and worked for years as a scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, becoming a full-time artist in 2019. Dr. Mehta discovered the power of theater at the young age of six in Mumbai, India, when she was first cast in a school play. This marked the beginning of her acting career, although she was yet unaware that she had indeed discovered her calling.
When she was 13, an All India Radio programming officer spotted her at an elocution competition and offered her an opportunity to write and broadcast her ideas. It was here where she found a platform to express her developing feminist ideas, and eventually became the only radio jockey to host shows in both Hindi and English languages. She also became a well-known voiceover artist and live host for major events. This was the beginning of her journey as a storyteller.
Dr. Mehta quickly realized that stories connected people in a way reality could not, and that storytelling was a powerful means for social transformation. A good story changes people’s thinking, their views and perceptions of the world. Having struggled with patriarchal suppression firsthand, she began a crusade of liberating herself and women around her with the tool of stories on radio and stage. Her passion became a commitment to give voice to those who had been silenced for centuries.
About The Reiff Center
The Reiff Center for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution at Christopher Newport University is dedicated to raising awareness of the horrors of genocide, human rights violations and conflict, and studying ways to overcome these by examining the international and national application of human rights, conflict resolution and peace studies.
A liberal arts institution, Christopher Newport supports interdisciplinary learning, cultural understanding and student involvement. This takes place both inside and outside the classroom as we promote service, leadership, intellectual inquiry, and the exploration of social and civic values. To this end, the Reiff Center sponsors educational programs, curricular development, conferences and public events, service and leadership opportunities, and research for faculty and students.
Named in honor of Dr. Theodore R. Reiff, a retired physician, medical educator, researcher and founding president of the Genocide Education Project, the center applies historical, political, social and international perspectives to its initiatives.
