Patna: Arthshila Patna is set to present Mother of 1084: Performing the ‘Documentary’, a theatrical and cinematic production marking the birth centenary of Mahasweta Devi, one of India’s most influential literary and political voices.
A Blend Of Film And Live Performance
The production brings together actor Anubha Fatehpuria and publisher-poet Naveen Kishore in a format that moves beyond conventional storytelling.
At its centre is a screening of excerpts from Talking Writing, directed by Pushan Kripalani, which unfolds through a series of intimate conversations. These are interwoven with live readings from Mahasweta Devi’s writings, interviews and personal reflections, alongside poetry by Kishore.
Beyond A Conventional Biography
The production does not attempt a linear biography. Instead, it explores multiple dimensions of Mahasweta Devi’s life — from her early struggles in a male-dominated literary landscape to her emergence as a powerful chronicler of social realities.
It also reflects on her personal experiences, including motherhood and estrangement, while situating her work within the broader context of a nation navigating inequality and change.
Literature And Activism Intertwined
Mahasweta Devi’s writing is presented as inseparable from her activism, particularly her engagement with marginalised communities, including tribal groups whose struggles formed a central theme in her work.
The performance highlights how her journalism and fiction documented social injustices and challenged dominant narratives of Indian modernity.
A Dialogue With The Present
Rather than offering closure, the production invites audiences into an ongoing dialogue — one that continues to resonate with contemporary questions of justice, identity and power.
Organisers said the presentation is designed as an immersive experience that encourages reflection, positioning Mahasweta Devi’s legacy as both historical and urgently relevant today.
