Play ‘Panchali’ Conveys Message That the Mindset of a Male-Dominated Society Has Yet to Change
Udaipur: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, organized a powerful stage performance of the play Panchali on Sunday at the Darpan Auditorium under its monthly theatre evening series ‘Rangshala’. The play was presented by Himachal Cultural Research Forum and Theatre Repertory and received great appreciation from the audience who filled the auditorium.
Director of West Zone Cultural Centre, Furkan Khan, said that under the monthly theatre series ‘Rangshala’, the play was staged at Shilpgram’s Darpan Auditorium. The concept and direction of the play were by theatre expert Prof. Suresh Sharma, associated with National School of Drama, New Delhi, and former director of North Central Zone Cultural Centre. Through the character of Draupadi, the play highlighted the struggles, dignity, and rights of women.
Panchali is not a traditional play but a long poem written by Nand Kishore Acharya. Through various episodes of Panchali’s life, the poem deeply expresses the pain, struggles, and self-reflection of a woman. In the narrative, Panchali reflects that she was often treated merely as an object of consumption—a statement that still seems relevant today. Despite the passage of time, the expected transformation in the status of women has not fully occurred, which forms the central theme of the presentation. The questions Panchali asks herself during her final journey remain profound and relevant even for modern women today.
Under the skilled direction of Prof. Suresh Sharma, the performance emerged as a powerful theatrical creation through expressive acting, gestures, symbolism, and stage movements. The play effectively portrayed the spirit of women’s empowerment through Panchali’s character.
The main roles in the play were performed by Sampa Mandal, Riddhima Bagga, Archana Rajput, and Ayushi. Music was composed by Kajal Ghosh, choreography was done by Sangeeta Sharma, stage arrangements were handled by Pintu Jha, and Harsh Raj served as the presentation assistant.
Theatre enthusiasts appreciated the initiative of the West Zone Cultural Centre for organizing such programs. At the end of the event, all the artists were honored.
Among those present on the occasion were Deputy Director (Programs) Pawan Amarawat, Program Executive Hemant Mehta, Dayaram Suthar, Siddhant Bhatnagar, along with other officials, staff members, and distinguished citizens of the city. The program was conducted by Assistant Director (Finance and Accounts) Durgesh Chandwani.
Story of the Play:
The play was based on poems depicting the life of Draupadi. Through this theatrical presentation, the idea of empowering women against the injustices and oppression they face was highlighted. The message conveyed was that women today are prepared to protect themselves. While the play portrayed the negative aspects of male-dominated attitudes, it also depicted positive perspectives among men. Through Panchali’s voice, the play conveyed a powerful message: “I may be gentle, but I am not weak. I do not need the support of a patriarchal mindset for my safety—I am capable of protecting myself.”
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