The Queen’s Gambit

An epic queen has brought together some uber-talented women. Artist Anjolie Ela Menon,singer Shubha Mudgal,designer Ritu Kumar and actor Shivani Wazir Pasrich have come together for a play on Draupadi. “It is about the connect between Draupadi and the women of today,” says Pasrich,who has conceptualised the production and plays the title role. Directed by Pasrich and Tina Johnson,the play Draupadi: We Are so Different Now will open at Kamani Auditorium on March 19.

Pasrich,who has been working on the script for two years now,draws parallels between the past and the present through the characters of Draupadi and Maya. “Maya’s fiancé dies in a fire and she is on the verge of committing suicide when Draupadi stops her from doing so,but in return Draupadi asks a huge favour from her,” says Pasrich. Charu Shankar,who essays the role of Maya,says,“We are celebrating the fighting spirit of Draupadi.”

Menon,whose paintings form the invite,says,“In some sense,the gender-biased mindset has its roots in mythology.” Her artwork — with the two central characters facing each other,with the dice and Draupadi’s never-ending sari in the middle — seems to speak of an eternity of women’s struggle. The artwork will be reproduced on costumes designed by Kumar. Mudgal,meanwhile,will lend voice for music composed by Arjun Sen.

The play will be staged at Kamani Auditorium from March 19 to 26. Tickets: Rs 250,Rs500

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