Patna: The five-day Women’s Theatre Festival 2025, organized by Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy and the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, concluded at Premchand Rangshala, Patna, with the mesmerizing staging of Shitoshan by Natya Kriti Manch under the direction of Sarika Bharti. The play brought to life the captivating story of Vaishali’s legendary courtesan Ambapali, whose beauty and fate intertwined with the historical figures of Ajatashatru and Buddha.
The drama revolved around Magadha King Ajatashatru, who, on his path to becoming a Buddhist disciple, stumbles upon an intricately carved image of Ambapali on an elephant’s tusk. Enchanted by her beauty, he becomes drawn to her, leading to a tale of love, separation, rebellion, and self-discovery. The play, inspired by the works of Ramvriksh Benipuri and Acharya Chatursen, was performed by a talented ensemble, including Vibhuti Bahl as Ambapali, Sarika Bharti as Chhoti Ambapali, and Parth Pratim Hazarika as Ajatashatru.
The production was complemented by an expert creative team, with Asif Ali providing writing guidance, Ajay Kumar designing the music, and Raj Kapoor handling the lighting. The event also featured a street play, Badalta Bihar, performed by The Struggler Natya Sansthan, adding a contemporary touch to the festival.
The closing ceremony was attended by Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy Secretary Anil Kumar Sinha, Assistant Secretary Kirti Alok, and senior theatre artists, who applauded the festival’s success in promoting women’s participation in theatre. With its diverse performances and artistic excellence, the Women’s Theatre Festival 2025 reinforced the rich cultural heritage of Bihar and celebrated the power of storytelling on stage.
