In Shivani Pasrich's latest play, the Pandava Queen -- considered as iconic for the modern Indian woman -- takes on a young protege and helps her choose resilience over revenge
In Shivani Pasrich's latest play, the Pandava Queenu00a0-- considered as iconic for the modern Indian womanu00a0-- takes on a young protege and helps her choose resilience over revenge
Four months ago, we watched Ank Production's Prashna Panchali, where Draupadi voiced her agony. Preeta Mathur Thakur, who enacted the one-woman performance, explained that Draupadi's character was one that remains relevant, even today. When Delhi-based actor-director-producer, Shivani Pasrich talks about her playu00a0-- Draupadi, she voices similar thoughts.
What makes Draupadi different from Prashna Panchali is that in her play, Pasrich has introduced a contemporary characteru00a0-- Maayau00a0-- who looks upon the mythological princess as a mentor. The interplay between Draupadi and Maaya forms the crux of this stage adaptation.
In the play, an angst-ridden Draupadi is unable to achieve moksh since she cannot let go of her past. She encounters Maaya, a young girl who attempts suicide, frustrated because of societal abuse. Draupadi stops the young girl and asks Maaya to look at life through her perspective. Several questions emerge: Will Maaya choose resilience or revenge? Will she follow in Draupadi's footsteps, or learn from her story?
"Most people think that this is a feminist play because it deals with women's issues. Yes, the theme is feminist but we're not talking down to men. This is not a male-bashing work. Instead, it talks about empowering women," reasons Pasrich, who began her professional acting career in a Barry John production that co-starred Shah Rukh Khan.
Apart from the strong script, the other highlight of this play is the involvement of personalities like Ritu Kumar (costumes) and Aman Nath (set design). Besides, artist Anjolie Ela Menon's painting is the signature of the play while Shubha Mudgal has performed two songs for the production. "With such a subject, it was necessary to have a spectacular statement in terms of the set, costumes and music. But we had to also ensure that the aesthetics did not overtake the experience; the artists who we collaborated with helped me immensely," adds Pasrich.
The play premiered in Delhi, earlier this year, where it had a full house everyday for almost a week. This is the first time that the group will perform the play outside the capital. Go ahead and book your tickets, they deserve Mumbai's encouragement.
On: Today and tomorrow, 7.30 pm at Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.
Call: 22824567
Tickets: Rs 760, Rs 500, Rs 400, Rs 320 and Rs 200
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