Women’s Drama Festival: Historical Play Dhruvaswamini Staged in Patna

Patna: On the fourth day of the Women’s Drama Festival 2025 in Patna, the historical Hindi play Dhruvaswamini by Jaishankar Prasad was staged at Premchand Rangshala. The play, performed by Delhi-based theatre institute Silly Souls and directed by Priyanka Sharma, was a powerful portrayal of resistance, self-respect, and women’s empowerment.

The festival, jointly organized by the Department of Art, Culture and Youth and Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy, aims to celebrate women’s contributions to theatre. Dhruvaswamini narrates the story of the eponymous queen, the wife of Gupta dynasty ruler Ramgupta. When the Saka Empire invades, Ramgupta, depicted as a weak and cowardly ruler, attempts to broker peace by offering his wife to the enemy king. However, Dhruvaswamini refuses to accept this fate, asserting her dignity and agency.

Chandragupta, Ramgupta’s courageous brother, emerges as her protector. Disguising himself, he infiltrates the enemy camp, kills the Saka king, and secures victory. Rejecting Ramgupta for his betrayal, Dhruvaswamini chooses to marry Chandragupta, a man who respects her independence, symbolizing a progressive take on women’s autonomy.

The play featured performances by Priyanka Sharma, Bhanu Pratap Singh, Arjun Singh, Girish Badlani, Shobhana Bhardwaj, Raj Tanwar, Tripti Prakash Mishra, and others. Sudhir Rekhari directed the music, with light design by Harishankar Ravi and makeup by Jeetu. Behind the scenes, Sparsh Mishra and Aditya Shashank played key roles.

Adding to the evening, Lok Panch Natya Sansthan presented a street play Beti Padh Kar Kya Karegi, highlighting societal attitudes toward girls’ education. The event was hosted by Ankita Pallav and attended by Anil Kumar Sinha, Secretary of Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy, along with Assistant Secretary Kirti Alok and senior theatre artists.

The festival, which spans five days, continues to provide a platform for compelling performances that challenge conventions and celebrate artistic expression.