Picture taken from Aparajita | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Indian society has long been a tough test for women, casting a judgemental eye on those who dare to deviate from the set norms. From the pages of history to the present day, the constant scrutiny of women’s choices has been a constant. Dramarisis’ new production, undefeated (which means undefeated), depicts this timeless struggle through the lives of two extraordinary women: Mirabai, a medieval princess, and Jahnavi, a contemporary woman navigating a complex world.
Isolated for centuries, these women are united by their defiance. Mirabai’s unwavering devotion to Krishna and Jahnavi’s secret life as a dancer profoundly challenge social expectations. First-time director Aritra Biswas says, “The play aims to highlight the enduring nature of social judgement. Mirabai is ostracised for her devotion, while Jahnavi fears a similar fate for her secret life. It’s a stark realisation that very little has changed.”
Written by Gopichand Katragadda, the story went through several changes under the guidance of Dramaris before being presented on stage. “The original story did not include Mirabai as the central character, we decided to bring her to the forefront and run her story parallel to Jahnavi’s story,” says Aritra. This creative choice takes the audience on a visual and auditory journey through time from the medieval era to modern India.
The play draws poignant parallels between Mirabai’s and Jahnavi’s experiences. “We have incorporated some of the mythological stories of Mirabai’s persecution into the play,” says the director. From murder attempts to facing social boycott, Mirabai’s journey is completely different from Jahnavi’s, where fear of justice often overpowers reality.”
Picture taken from Aparajita | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
However, the play also acknowledges the nuances of societal reactions, as Aritra explains, “We are not showing everyone as decisive. It is a more nuanced portrayal.”
Both characters are presented as complex personalities. Jahnavi, a conventional medical student, leads a secret life that defies social expectations. Mirabai, a devout queen, challenges religious orthodoxy with her unconventional views about Krishna. As Aritra explains, “We see a similar dynamic with Mirabai. Despite being a queen and a devotee, her unconventional view of Krishna was considered reprehensible.”
The play also depicts the complexities of Jhanvi’s relationships as she grapples with her double life. From the reactions of her friends and family to the dynamics of her professional world as a dancer, the play subtly portrays the impact of social judgement on personal relationships.
Aritra emphasizes the play’s aim is to avoid preachiness. “We were careful to avoid sounding preachy,” Aritra explains. Instead, the play aims to provoke thought through subtle storytelling. “Any message is conveyed through the characters’ actions and dialogues.”
This production uses a unique staging method to interweave the two stories. “We have kept the two stories largely separate on stage, using the same space to create an overlap between past and present,” says the director. This creative decision allows the audience to slowly unravel the interconnections between Mirabai and Jahnavi, as Jahnavi’s journey becomes a modern exploration of the historical figure.
Aritra is excited about her directorial debut. “It has been both challenging and rewarding. I have been associated with the theatre since 2017, but this is a whole new level of involvement. Many of our actors are new to theatre, so it has been a process of shaping the play and the actors together. It has been incredibly gratifying to see my vision for the play come to life.”
undefeated It will be staged at Jagriti Theatre, Whitefield on August 3. Tickets are available on BookMyShow.
