The play unfolds the untold saga of Guru Dronacharya and his disciples, focusing on his inner conflict, ethical dilemmas, and moral responsibilities. Referencing Ekalavya’s legendary sacrifice, it shows how Dronacharya guides Dhristyadyumna under Krishna’s subtle influence, preparing him for the destiny that lies ahead.
The story explores themes of duty, repentance, sacrifice, and redemption, portraying Dronacharya not merely as a teacher or warrior, but as a deeply human figure navigating the complex moral landscape of the Mahabharata. The play invites the audience to reflect on the ethical choices that define both masters and disciples, and the enduring significance of Dharma.
Writer
Mrinmoy Bhuyan is one of the eminent and widely admired writers of Assam. He has written over 15 plays and has also translated several stories and plays, making valuable contributions to Assamese literature. Known for his creativity and versatility, he continues to be recognized as a reputed and respected writer.
Director
Profile: Eminent theatre Director, Actor, and Trainer with 37 years of experience in the field of theatre.
Background: – Belongs to the 9th generation of a Sattriya cultured practicing family. – Artistic Director of PURBARANGA, an organization of performing arts. – Student of H. Kanhailal (Padmabhushan), Savitri Devi (Padmashri), and Lalit Chandra Nath Ojha (Sangeet Natak Akademi).
Professional Engagements: – Resource Person: CCRT, NSD, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. – Visiting Faculty: NSD Sikkim, Hyderabad Central University, Dibrugarh University. – Exponent of Suknaani Ojapaali and Deodhani (folk forms of Assam). – Exponent of Ankia Naat Bhaona (traditional theatre form). – Music Composer and Choreographer.
Contributions to Theatre: – Written more than 19 plays and directed over 73 plays. – Researcher of new acting training methodologies by implementing Sattriya elements. – Fellow in the study of Maati Akhora and its implementation in modern theatre as a new expression.
Awards & Recognition: – Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Theatre Direction. – Mohendra Borthakur Award by Asom Natya Sanmilan. – Special Felicitation by Eka Abong Koekjon. – Best Choreography at Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards. – Hementa Kumar Baruah State Award from Baan Theatre, Tezpur. – Santosh Kumar Karmakar State Award from Sivsagar Commerce College, Sivsagar.
Festival Participation: – Presented productions of Purbaranga in almost every prestigious theatre festival in India. – Festival Director of Purbaranga National Theatre Festival.
Director’s Note
his play brings to life the untold emotional journey of Guru Dronacharya, his disciples, and the fateful shaping of Dhristyadyumna, guided subtly by Krishna. While Ekalavya’s story is referenced, our focus is on the moral dilemmas, sacrifices, and responsibilities of the teacher and his students.
Presented as a stylized drama, the performance blends movement, music, and ritualized storytelling, incorporating Sattriya dance movements, elements from Ankiya Bhaona, and music influenced by Ojapali and Sattriya culture. Using gestures, choreography, and expressive sequences, the production conveys intensity, devotion, and the epic’s grandeur. Through song, dance, and dynamic physicality, we explore themes of duty, repentance, and ethical choice, portraying Dronacharya not only as a warrior and teacher but as a deeply human figure navigating Dharma.
This production invites the audience to experience a fresh perspective on the Mahabharata, engaging with the inner worlds of these legendary figures through both emotion and spectacle.
Group
Purbaranga is a cultural and performing arts organization based in Guwahati, Assam, led by Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Gunakar Dev Goswami. The group is committed to keeping alive the rich traditions of Assamese art while also giving them new life through creative experiments. Their productions, such as Patniprasad and Dronacharya, beautifully showcase Ankia Naat and Sattriya dance, while works like Agni Snaan highlight powerful themes like India’s freedom movement through the Deodhani dance form. Alongside performances, Purbaranga regularly organizes workshops and training in Bhaona, acting, and traditional performing arts, nurturing young talents and passing on cultural knowledge to the next generation. With collaborations with reputed institutions like the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Sattriya Kendra and participation in national festivals, Purbaranga continues to be a vibrant force in preserving and promoting Assamese culture.