Abhigyan Shakuntalam by Kalidasa is a timeless tale of love, separation, and reunion, presented in this adaptation with a unique dual ending. The story begins in Sage Kanva’s hermitage, where King Dushyant meets and falls in love with Shakuntala. They marry in the Gandharva tradition, and Dushyant leaves for his kingdom, giving her a ring as a token of love. When Sage Durvasa curses Shakuntala—causing Dushyant to forget her unless he sees the ring—misfortune follows. On her way to the palace, she loses the ring, and Dushyant, under the curse, rejects her. Heartbroken and pregnant, Shakuntala finds refuge in Sage Maricha’s hermitage, where she gives birth to Bharata. Later, a fisherman discovers the lost ring, restoring Dushyant’s memory, and he searches for her. The traditional ending reunites the family in forgiveness and returns to the palace. However, the adaptation also presents an alternative conclusion in which Shakuntala, strengthened by suffering, chooses independence and spiritual growth over reunion, transforming the narrative into one of female empowerment and self-determination.

Adaptation

Mohan Rakesh (1925–1972), born as Madan Mohan Guglani in Amritsar, Punjab, was one of the most influential figures in modern Hindi literature and a pioneer of the ‘Nayi Kahani’ (New Story) movement. His major plays include Ashadh Ka Ek Din (1958), Lehron Ke Rajhans (1963), and Aadhe Adhure (1969), each dealing with complex emotional and philosophical questions. Apart from drama, Rakesh also wrote novels such as Andhere Band Kamre and Na Aane Wala Kal, and several acclaimed short stories like Miss Pal and Rati Barkha. Mohan Rakesh received the Sahitya Akademi Award posthumously in 1972 for Aadhe Adhure.

Director:

Arpita Dhagat is a teacher, artist, and theatre professional specializing in design and theatre techniques from National School of Drama (2010–13). She worked as Cultural Outreach Programmer with LEAF Foundation, curating the month-long Abhivyakti City Arts Project in 2018 for UN Mehta Foundation. She is a founder member of Astitva Art Foundation. She directed the experimental site-specific short film Letters to the Space, created to mark 50 years of The Studio – M/s Prabhakar B. Bhagwat, a leading landscape design firm. Arpita has served as visiting faculty at institutions including National Institute of Design, Anant National University, Indubhai Parekh School of Architecture, and Whistling Woods International. Her work has featured in major festivals such as Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Prithvi Theatre Festival, and Bahuroopi. She also curated a theatre festival on mental health awareness, reflecting her ongoing exploration of art’s transformative dialogue between artist and audience.

Director’s Note

This adaptation presents a deeply emotional journey of love, fulfilment, separation, forgetfulness, and reunion, centring on Dushyant and Shakuntala. The production, however, goes beyond the traditional narrative by foregrounding its central idea through innovative storytelling. Two narrators, Nat and Nati, present scenes four and five from their distinct perspectives, first through the male gaze and then the female interpretation, thereby questioning gender roles and highlighting the vulnerable position of women in love, family, and society. The play experiments further by casting four different actors for Dushyant and Shakuntala, emphasizing shifting perceptions and identities. Beginning with a song dedicated to Mother Narmada and enriched with classical Dhrupad music alongside Bharatanatyam and Chhau dance forms, the production blends tradition with experimentation. Through these artistic choices, the play raises pressing questions about societal change, responsibility, and the deeply rooted mindset that shapes women’s experiences and emotional struggles.

Group:

Rang Theatre Forum, established in 2008 in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, is a vibrant cultural organization dedicated to promoting theatre and performing arts. Its notable productions include Giddh, Innocent Erindra and Her Heartless Grandmother, Anji, Kanjoosh, and Virasat, reflecting on heritage and legacy. Beyond performances, the forum actively organizes workshops and training programs covering acting and production skills, providing young artists with practical exposure. It has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as National School of Drama and other leading theatre groups, enhancing learning opportunities for participants. By inviting renowned theatre personalities for guest sessions and mentorship, the forum fosters artistic growth and professional guidance.