Janaknandini Explores the Life and Anguish of Sita in New Play

Janaknandini

The omnipresent Sita, known by various names including Vaidehi, Maithili, Bhoomija, Raghav Vallabha, and Janaknandini, lived in the city of Mithila from her birth until her marriage. In the play Janaknandini, Sita returns among her friends, where she speaks fearlessly and unfolds the bitter and sweet layers of her life while remaining bound to her husband, Raghav, by the thread of love.

Janaknandini serves as a restrained contemporary narrative reflecting the anguish of daughters as represented by Sita, highlighting how a husband's suspicion and mistrust can break a woman when no family or societal support stands by her.

Director

Dr. Prakash Jha is a theatre practitioner, researcher, and Founder Director of Mailorang Repertory and Prakashan. He holds a Ph.D. in Dramatic Arts, received fellowships from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and was honoured with the 'Bihar Samman' in 2015 by the Department of Art, Culture, and Language, Government of Delhi. His past works include Vibhajan Ki Vibhishika and historic Maithili plays such as Goraksh Vijay, Manimanjari, and Sundar Sanyog.

Director's Note

According to Dr. Prakash Jha, Sita has fascinated global society and holds a special place as a sister and daughter for the people of Mithila. In the production, Janaknandini is played on stage by five actresses to identify with all women. The performance balances classical and modern styles, utilizing costumes, music, and design to reflect the essence of Mithila, along with subtle lighting and minimal stage design.

Group

Established in 2006, Maithili Lok Rang (Mailorang Repertory, Delhi) focuses on the research, preservation, promotion, training, dissemination, and documentation of intangible cultural heritage and diverse cultural traditions. The group has staged productions in various Indian cities and Nepal, with past plays including Kathak Lok, Ek Chhal Raja, Kamalmukhi Kaniya, and Romeo–Juliet / Chan Chakor.