Dhanbad: One of the premier theater groups in Jharkhand, Kala Niketan’s stage production ‘Marghat Ki Aurat’, staged at the prestigious Ispat Rang Mahotsav in Rourkela, stands out as a powerful and unsettling theatrical experience.
The play, written and directed by Vashishtha Prasad Sinha, fearlessly delves into deep-rooted social evils, exposing the cruelty of superstition, patriarchy, and moral hypocrisy embedded within society. Its winning five awards stands testimony to its thought-provoking narration and successful staging.
At the heart of the play is Sampa, a tragic yet compelling character whose life unfolds against the eerie backdrop of a cremation ground. Forced into ancestral labor from childhood, Sampa’s emotional attachment to dead children is portrayed with disturbing sensitivity. Her innocence, trauma, and longing for affection form the emotional core of the narrative.
The play effectively blurs the line between sanity and madness, asking whether society’s fear of the unconventional is more monstrous than the so-called “witch” it condemns.The narrative sharply critiques practices such as child marriage, widow ostracization, witch-hunting, and social exile, presenting them not as distant evils but as lived realities. Sampa’s branding as a witch after the death of village children reflects how society scapegoats the vulnerable to mask its own ignorance.
Her eventual acceptance into marital life with Shankar initially offers hope, symbolizing progressive ideals like widow remarriage. However, this hope is brutally dismantled by suspicion, inherited fear, and moral weakness.
The second half of the play intensifies into psychological and emotional turmoil. Sampa’s secret return to the cremation ground, her false accusation against her father-in-law, and the eventual unraveling of truth create a gripping dramatic arc. Shankar’s transformation—from a loving husband to a broken ascetic—highlights the devastating consequences of blind belief and misplaced trust.
The final revelation of his parents’ deaths delivers a tragic climax, leaving the audience shaken and introspective.Performance-wise, the production is commendable.
Both Nitya Sahay and Akash Sahay captured ‘Sampa’ and ‘Shankar’ characters’ emotional decent effectively. Riya Kumari (Chanda) and Anuradha Shrivastava (Dadi) add intensity through strong antagonistic portrayals. Director Vashishtha Prasad Sinha, also appeared as ‘Nirmal’, demonstrates a nuanced understanding of theatrical storytelling, balancing symbolism with raw realism.
The play’s minimalist staging, evocative use of darkness, and strong dialogues enhance its haunting atmosphere.
More than entertainment, ‘Marghat Ki Aurat’ emerges as a mirror to society—questioning morality, compassion, and the price paid by those who live on the margins.
In conclusion, ‘Marghat Ki Aurat’ is a bold, thought-provoking production that lingers long after the curtain falls. Its success at the Ispat Rang Mahotsav, marked by five awards, is well-deserved, reaffirming Kala Niketan’s commitment to socially relevant and impactful theatre.
On the stage:
Nitya Sahay: Sampa
Akash Sahay: Shankar
Vashishtha Prasad Sinha: Nirmal
Nutan Sinha: Tara
Nishant Kumar: Gobara
Satish Pashwan: Sonu
Sumit Kumar: Monu
Riya Kumari: Chanda
Anuradha Srivastav: Dadi
Kraan Kumar Pashwan: Doman
Pratham Kumar: Dukhu
Off the stage:
Vashishtha Prasad Sinha: Writer & Director
Kraan Kumar Pashwan: Light
Akash Sahay: Stage
Dharmveer Kumar: Music
