Ko-Jaani Kahaan?: Exploring the Realities of Patriarchy and Society

Ko-Jaani Kahaan?

A woman narrates stories uncovering the suffocating grip of patriarchy while searching for a place where women can live with freedom, joy, and their true identity. On her journey, she meets women such as Champa and Jugunti. Champa's husband Budhua abandons her and marries again, while Jugunti is exploited, abused, and ultimately killed by her husband Kalua in the name of a religious ritual under the suspicion of having an affair with the village head. The Mukhiya manipulates people while pretending to be progressive, bound by patriarchal and capitalist thinking.

Writer

Durgesh Soni is a theatre practitioner trained at the Madhya Pradesh School of Drama. As a founding member of Darpan Rang Samiti, he works with rural folk artists. His play “Ko-Jaani Kahaan?” was written in collaboration with village performers. His other written plays include Aaina, Hukumat Hawa Hawai, and Adrishya Jaal.

Director

Annapurna Soni is an actress and theatre director born in Barhi, Katni district, Madhya Pradesh. After completing an M.A. in Music from Jabalpur and gaining experience at Vivechana Rangmandal, she studied acting at the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi from 2012 to 2015. She worked as a professional actress with the NSD Repertory Company and is the Founder and Director of Darpan Rang Samiti.

Director’s Note

Director Annapurna Soni notes that the play emerged from real village stories and a month-long workshop. It explores how culture and power are tied together through the stories of two couples from different castes and economic backgrounds, reflecting the pain of women who accept exploitation as destiny.

Group

Darpan Rang Samiti, established in 2015 in Barhi, Katni district, Madhya Pradesh, is the first and only theater organization of Barhi. The group aims to give a platform and respect to local folk artists, provide opportunities to rural youth, and promote Bagheli culture and folk arts. The organization has produced and staged several original and folk-inspired plays, including “Ko-Jaani Kahaan?”, “Basaman Mama”, “Aaina”, and many others.