Women’s self-respect resonated on stage

Prayagraj: Whether to bow down to injustice or to raise one’s voice for one’s dignity, Dhruvswamini answered this question through her struggle. On Saturday, the staging of Jaishankar Prasad’s timeless work “Dhruvswamini” in the auditorium of the North Central Zone Cultural Center brought to life questions of women’s self-respect, rights, and freedom. Directed by Priyanka Sharma, the actors’ impressive performances captivated the audience.

The programme, organised under the joint aegis of Bharatendu Natya Academy, Culture Department, Uttar Pradesh Government, North Central Zone Cultural Centre and District Administration, Prayagraj, as part of the drama staging series based on heroic heroes, was inaugurated on Saturday by lighting the lamp by the chief guest Mayor Umesh Chandra Ganesh Kesharwani and Centre Director Sudesh Sharma, Deputy Director Dr Mukesh Upadhyay, Programme Advisor Kalpana Sahay.

Set in the Gupta period, this play depicts the struggle between power, social norms, and women’s rights. Instead of submitting to injustice, Dhruvaswamini defends her self-respect and independent decisions. Through stage design and symbolism, the age-old mindset of “money, wife, and land” was questioned. The presentation conveyed the message that women are not property, but independent individuals with their own rights and decisions.

Priyanka Sharma played the role of Dhruvswamini, Sushil Sharma played the role of Ramgupta and Sudhir Rikhari played the role of Chandragupta. Raj Tanwar played the role of Shikharswami, Ankit Satti played the role of Purohit, Girish Badlani played the role of Shakraj, Pallavi Y Singh played the role of Koma, Kanishka Jha played the role of Mandakini and Dev played the role of Mihirdev. Prithvi Verma played the role of Kinnar and earned the appreciation of the audience. The audience watching the play clapped a lot. Music was by Ankit Satti and Hurmat, while lighting was done by Rahul Sen.

During the program, Kargil War victors, the brave women of Kargil martyrs, and the families of freedom fighters were honored. Present on the occasion were Dr. Sumit Srivastava, Assistant Director of the Bharatendu Natya Academy, Mr. Prevendra Singh, Assistant Director of the Rangmandal, Abhilash Narayan, Pradeep Bhatnagar, and other dignitaries.