Women’s Day theatre presentation highlights girls’ education, patriarchy and the fading culture of stage performances
Munish Sood
Mandi
A powerful and emotionally charged play highlighting the issue of gender discrimination and the importance of girls’ education was staged in Mandi on the occasion of International Women’s Day, leaving the audience deeply moved.
The play, titled “Kohre Se Ladti Dhoop”, carried a strong social message against discrimination between sons and daughters and addressed the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. The performance captivated the audience with its intense storytelling and powerful acting, with several viewers visibly emotional during the staging.
The theatrical presentation was organized by Utsav United Theatre Society and Art Village in collaboration with the Language and Culture Department, District Mandi, at the auditorium of Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Mandi.
The play is based on a story written by Mandi-based writer Arpana Dhiman, which reflects the struggles faced by women in society while also portraying their resilience and determination to overcome social barriers. The theatrical adaptation and direction were done by well-known Himachal theatre personality Daksha Sharma, whose sensitive and impactful direction added depth to the narrative.
Through its storyline and characters, the play sheds light on social issues such as discrimination against girls, lack of educational opportunities for daughters, and the deep-rooted patriarchal mindset that continues to shape family and societal dynamics.
Director Daksha Sharma also played the central character Gomti, delivering a powerful performance that effectively portrayed the emotional journey of a woman battling social injustice and inequality. Her intense acting and expressive stage presence drew widespread appreciation from the audience.
Actor Ved Kumar, who played the role of Gomti’s husband, delivered a convincing performance that added realism to the story. Young performers Vanshika and Harshita, portraying the roles of Munni and Guddi, impressed the audience with their confident and natural acting.
Senior artist Sarita Handa, playing the role of the mother-in-law, also left a strong impression with her nuanced portrayal of a traditional family figure shaped by societal norms.
The narrative of the play was guided by Jai Chauhan, who served as the Sutradhar (narrator) and also handled the music direction. His narration and musical coordination helped enhance the emotional impact of the performance and kept the audience engaged throughout the play.
Speaking on the occasion, director Daksha Sharma highlighted the importance of keeping theatre alive in the present digital era. She pointed out that today people have easy access to entertainment through smartphones and numerous OTT platforms, where a wide range of content is available at the click of a button.
However, she emphasized that live theatre remains a powerful medium of storytelling and social awareness that connects audiences directly with performers and real-life issues.
Sharma also expressed concern that theatre activities in Mandi have gradually declined over the years. According to her, stage performances in the region are now largely limited to the annual Shivratri festival, while for the rest of the year theatrical events are rarely organized.
“In such circumstances, it becomes important to continue efforts that keep the spirit of theatre alive,” she said, adding that regular theatrical activities are necessary to revive interest in stage performances and promote cultural engagement among the public.
She further stated that theatre can also play a constructive role in guiding young people towards creative pursuits. At a time when many youths are drifting towards negative influences such as substance abuse, involvement in art and culture can provide a meaningful and positive direction.
Adding a cultural highlight to the evening, young artist Alisha from Nritya Tap Academy presented a graceful Kathak dance performance, which was warmly appreciated by the audience.
At the conclusion of the program, Daksha Sharma, who is also the secretary of the Utsav organization, expressed gratitude to the audience and dignitaries present at the event. She thanked the chief guest and special guests for attending the program and encouraging the artists.
She also announced that the theatre group is preparing its next production, “Twelfth Night,” the famous play written by William Shakespeare, which is scheduled to be staged in July.
The event not only marked the celebration of International Women’s Day but also highlighted the continuing relevance of theatre as a platform for raising important social issues and strengthening cultural expression in the region.
