CHHAYA

During a visit to the gynaecologist, Jiya, who denies having been sexually assaulted, tries to find some levity in one uncomfortable interaction after another.

The doctor mispronounces her name, while medical students examine her private parts, as her world uncontrollably returns to the moment of the assault. Tensions rise and spiral out of control, pushing Jiya into a surreal nightmare in a desperate attempt to take back her power.

Sophiyaa Nayar is a New York-based filmmaker and director originally from New Delhi, India. As an Associate or Assistant Director, she has worked alongside leading Broadway writers and directors, including Kenny Leon, Saheem Ali, Leigh Silverman in a show by Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner, Jocelyn Bioh, May Adrales and Rajiv Joseph, and the film industry such as Nana Mensah, Craig Quintero, Alyssa Nutting, Dean Bakopoulos, Bill Damashke and Cecily Strong.

She is a member of WP Lab 2020-22, winner of the 3Arts Make a Wave Grant, a member of Definition Theatre's ensemble, a member of Director's Lab Chicago 2017, and a resident in Milwaukee Rep's 2017/18 season. She was part of the SDC Foundation's Observership Class, through which she worked on Soft Power at The Public.

Her production of EthiopianAmerica won Black Theatre Alliance Awards for Best Production, Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress, along with a Jeff Award for Best Combat Choreography. His feature film script "Chhaya" was selected for the second round of Sundance's Feature Film Development Track and was a semi-finalist for the 1497 Screenwriters Lab.