Have you ever wondered what happened to Yashodhare after Siddhartha went in search of the Ultimate Truth? Her story will be told this weekend. The English version of MS Murthy’s Yashodhare Awakens , originally Yashodhare Malagiralilla, will be staged at Jagriti Theatre.
Apart from Yashodhare’s life after Siddhartha leaves, the play traces Buddha’s pre-departure scene at the palace, the Kisa-Gowthami episode and Buddha’s visit to Kapilavastu. “Yashodhare could have stopped Siddhartha from leaving, but she didn’t,” says Harish Seshadri, the director.
“The play shows Yashodhare awaken. It is because she awakened that Siddhartha got the strength to forsake worldly affairs in search of the Ultimate Truth.” Yashodhare is depicted as a strong woman who takes care of her son, Rahula. “She initially built her world around Siddhartha. But when he left, and as the play progresses, she begins to sees the bigger truth about life. She becomes a sahayatri in her spiritual search of the Buddha.”
Yashodhare represents Universal Motherhood, and is symbolic of a woman’s inherent strength. “We have made the play independent of time and place. There are many Yashodhares whose inner strength keeps them going.” During his research, Harish read some interesting facts about Yashodhare’s life. “She was Siddhartha’s cousin. She had attended Siddhartha’s Swayamvara as a casual observer. When Siddhartha saw her, he decided to marry her. But Yashodhare’s father did not agree to the alliance. Siddhartha had to prove he was worthy for Yashodhare,” says Harish who has over 10 years experience in theatre and television.
This is the first time that Harish is directing a play in Jagriti as part of Curtain Raisers Festival. “I am glad that they are providing a platform to tell varied stories.” Yashodhare Awakens , presented by Workshop Productions, will be staged at Jagriti Theatre, Whitefield, today and tomorrow at 8 pm and on March 3 at 3 and 6.30 pm. Tickets, priced at Rs. 250, are available at the venue and >bookmyshow.com .
