Throughout Indian history and literature, one has seen the rise and fall of stoic heroines who’ve surpassed societal barriers and crossed impenetrable borders. The reflection of this is evident in our arts.
Theatre Nisha brings to you two such tales. The first of which is Amrapali, sourced from Vaishali Ki Nagarvadhu by Acharya Chatursen and Ambapali by Vimala Raina and Therigatha . “The heart of the plot is political intrigue which was abundant at the time when the Republic of Lichchavi was constantly at war with its neighbouring states,” says V Balakrishnan, the script writer and director of the play, over an email conversation. “Amrapali’s ascent into becoming the most influential person in Vaishali to renouncing everything to enter Buddha’s folds forms the premise of this play,” he adds.
The second play titled Gallantly Fought the Queen, also scripted by Balakrishnan, is based on the life of Rani Lakshmi Bai. The director says, “The main premise of the script deals with tracing the life of the Rani in her ardent quest to secure Jhansi and not allow the British to annex it. The play brings to light many interesting occurrences in history which moulded the path that the fight for independence would finally take.”
An interesting element that stands out is the incorporation of the famous Hindi poem Bundele Harbolon by Subhadhra Kumari Chauhan.
Both are original scripts, with the music being composed by Srivaralakshmi ‘Maya’ and Vishwa Bharath. Amrapali will have Janani Narasimhan playing the character of the same name while Gallantly Fought the Queen has Meera Sitaraman playing Rani Lakshmi Bai.
Catch the play at Alliance Française of Madras on April 21 and 22 at 3 pm.
For details call 99400 98396.
