Bengaluru Play 'What She Said' Shows Ramayana Through Women's Eyes

This new Bengaluru play focuses on six women from the Ramayana, giving them their own voices. It's the first all-woman cast for the theatre group JustUs Repertory.
By Newsroom | Arts and Culture, Bengaluru |

A staged work, "What She Said," is currently making its way to Bengaluru stages, offering a distinct perspective on the Ramayana. The production re-examines the well-trodden narrative through the voices and experiences of its female characters, an endeavor spearheaded by playwright Gowri Ramnarayan.

The play deliberately focuses on six women across three kingdoms mentioned in the epic, aiming to portray them not as archetypes but as individuals with their own plights and resilience. This approach positions figures often relegated to the periphery of the original tale into the spotlight, allowing for an exploration of their lives beyond their traditional roles.

The featured characters include Manthara, the maid whose counsel swayed Kaikeyi; Surpanakha, Ravana's sister; Urmila, Sita's sister and Lakshmana's wife; Mandodari, Ravana's queen; Tara, wife of Vali and later Sugriva; and Shanta, Rama's elder sister. The production brings these figures to life through the performances of Sunandha Raghunathan, Akhila Ramnarayan, and Aarabi Veeraraghavan, marking the first all-woman cast for the theatre group JustUs Repertory.

What She Said, to be staged in Bengaluru, is a retelling of The Ramayana from the lens of women - 1

Ramnarayan's intent, as articulated in various accounts, was not to canonize these figures but to understand them as "ordinary human beings." The performances are described as moving through "six scenes interspersed with music and physical movements," also featuring interactions among the female characters. This structural choice suggests an effort to weave individual narratives into a collective feminine experience within the larger epic framework.

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CONTEXTUALIZING THE RETELLING

The practice of reinterpreting foundational epics like the Ramayana is not novel. Numerous contemporary authors and creators have engaged with the text, seeking to unearth new meanings or highlight overlooked dimensions. Books like the 'Ram Chandra Series' by Ashish Kaikini offer, for instance, a mythological fiction take on the epic, detailing character backstories and pivotal events.

What She Said, to be staged in Bengaluru, is a retelling of The Ramayana from the lens of women - 2

Similarly, other creative endeavors have sought to frame the Ramayana within modern contexts, examining its relevance through different lenses. One such approach by Priya Arora endeavors to connect the narrative to contemporary life and philosophical inquiry, exploring themes of spirituality versus religion.

The notion of alternative narratives within epics also has historical precedents. The mention of poets like Molla, who wrote her Ramayana in her mother tongue, points to a long-standing tradition of diverging from dominant interpretations, even if those voices or their specific renditions have faded from common recollection. This history of varied interpretations underscores the enduring power of the Ramayana as a canvas for diverse human experiences and critical re-examination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the new play in Bengaluru called and what is it about?
The new play in Bengaluru is called 'What She Said.' It looks at the Ramayana story from the point of view of the women characters in the epic, like Manthara, Surpanakha, Urmila, Mandodari, Tara, and Shanta.
Q: Who wrote and directed the play 'What She Said' in Bengaluru?
The play 'What She Said' in Bengaluru was written and directed by Gowri Ramnarayan. It is performed by an all-woman cast from the theatre group JustUs Repertory.
Q: Which female characters from the Ramayana are featured in the Bengaluru play 'What She Said'?
The Bengaluru play 'What She Said' features six women from the Ramayana: Manthara, Surpanakha, Urmila, Mandodari, Tara, and Shanta. The play aims to show them as real people with their own lives and struggles.
Q: What is the main goal of the play 'What She Said' in Bengaluru regarding the Ramayana?
The main goal of the play 'What She Said' in Bengaluru is to show the Ramayana through the eyes of its women characters, who are often not the main focus. It wants to explore their individual stories and resilience.
Q: When and where can people in Bengaluru see the play 'What She Said'?
The play 'What She Said' is currently making its way to Bengaluru stages. Specific dates and venue details are available through the theatre group JustUs Repertory.