A new stage production explores the untold story of the Hijra.

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The House of In Between from Theatre Royal Stratford East, follows the lives of a Hijra clan, a family trying to make their way through modern India, while maintaining their culture, traditions, beliefs and values.

Written by Sevan K. Greene and directed by Pooja Ghai, TRSE’s Associate Director, the show unveils the secret lives of this community.

The choreography will be led by acclaimed dancer Seeta Patel with music by celebrated composer Arun Ghosh.

Although some are intersexed, Hijras are generally born with male physiology.

Some choose to undergo a rite called nirvaan which involves removal of the male genitalia.

The story follows Uma – the leader of a Hijra clan – a tough, caring but charming opportunist who is desperate to uphold the traditions of the Hijras challenged by contemporary society’s increasing demands to modernise and join the global economy. But when the mysterious Dev arrives, Uma sees a chance to erase the sins of the past and ensure the clan's survival. Will Uma's act of charity destroy the clan and will Dev fulfil a destiny no one expected?

Kerry Michael, Artistic Director at Theatre Royal Stratford East said: “With the growing realisation that within our communities there are those who wish to neither define themselves as male or female; and with horrors regularly being reported from around the world where girls and women are victims of sexual violence - this is a timely play from Sevan. "He is telling an untold story that is tender, funny and full of drama.

Writer Sevan K. Greene said: “I was inspired to write a piece that gave voice to this marginalised group whose stories have been hidden yet resonate so loudly with me with their need to hold on to the past while being slowly razed by the present.

"Third genderism is a tricky concept so instead of trying to be scientific, I want an audience to understand the Hijra tradition through a very specific clan.

"All families argue, fight, love, defend, laugh and survive and through this connection I can make the unfamiliar familiar. My goal was to create a visceral play that tickles you one moment and rips your heart out the next.”

Pooja Ghai, Associate Director of TRSE said: “Hijras have been around for over 4,000 years and have played an important part in the cultural and societal make-up of India.

"At the time of the Moghul Empire they were revered, now in 2016 they are a part of the underclass and are both feared and deeply misunderstood.

"I was fascinated by the demise and impending eradication of this group of people, who have always believed they were bestowed with divine qualities, living a life as neither male or female, but as a third gender.

"Sevan’s beautifully written play is a story about family, hope, despair, unity and love - that takes us on a rollercoaster of a ride leaving us spellbound.”

Gary Wood returns to TRSE playing the role of Shakti, having previously appeared in The Infidel The Musical. The cast for The House of In Between also includes: Esh Alladi, Vikash Bhai, Ashraf Ejjbair, Akash Heer, Shalini Peiris and Lucie Shorthouse.

The House of In Between runs from Friday 8 April–Saturday 30 April 2016. Tickets call the Box Officeon 020 8534 0310, visit www.stratfordeast.com