Gift of Goddess is the biographical drama of Isadora Duncan, a pioneer of modern dance. Her personal life was marked by deep relationships, tragedies, and a profound commitment to her ideals. She emphasized her belief in artistic freedom, personal expression, and the transformative power of dance. She portrayed herself as an artist who often defied social norms. Her autobiography is as much about her artistic philosophy as it is about the personal experiences that shaped her life. This play offers an intimate and vivid portrayal of a woman who left an indelible mark on the world of modern dance and art, striving to live with the same fearlessness and freedom with which she danced.

Writer

Harikesh Maurya born in Mau district, Uttar Pradesh has been associated with Sutradhar, a reputed theatre group of Azamgarh. Later, obtained a two-year formal training from Bhartendu Natya Akademi, Lucknow. He has also directed two plays – Ye Aadmi Ye Chuhe and Bahut Bada Sawal. He has had the opportunity to work with several eminent theatre mentors and directors of the country, including the late Bansi Kaul, Devendra Raj Ankur, C. R. Jambe, Amitabh Srivastava, Suryamohan Kulshreshtha, Sanjay Upadhyay, Joy Mitai, Bapi Bose, Suman Kumar, Lalit Singh Pokhariya, Manoj Mishra, Prashobh Kalamandalam, Abhishek Pandit, Mamta Pandit, and Bhartendu Kashyap.

Director

Raman Kumar, born in Madhwapur village in Madhubani, Bihar, is an alumnus of Bhartendu Natya Academy, Lucknow. His journey brought him to Delhi, where he joined Mailorang. He has directed several productions like Zaruratein, Andher Nagri, Domkach, Jat-Jatin, Rashmirathi, Abhisheknatakam, Silent Scream, Manthan, Tughlaq, and Dastaan-e-Jhansi which was staged in Jhansi and Bithoor Qila with support of NCZCC. As a choreographer, his works include Nach Nat Nati Nach and Anart Mithila. He has also designed lights for plays at NSD Sikkim and Bharat Rang Mahotsav. With over 10 years of experience, he has collaborated with renowned directors like Devendra Raj Ankur, Bansi Kaul, C. R. Jambe, Surya Mohan Kulshreshta, and others.

Director’s Note

This play holds a special place in my theatrical journey. It began with my introduction to the world of theatre through my primary art form, dance. In a discussion I learned about the famous modern contemporary dancer Angela Isadora Duncan. I was deeply moved by the struggles in her life journey and her passionate commitment to her work. Dance, for her, is not just an art but a medium through which she expresses her existence, identity, and inner emotions. I have attempted to present this play as a solo performance, where a male actor brings the female character to life on stage. Just as when we narrate the story of a female character, we try to act in her way, in the same way, a male actor portrays the character. The play incorporates live music and projection mapping techniques, which help communicate the storyline effectively to the audience.