Sita Banbas: A Fresh Retelling of Uttar Ramayan by Ank Theatre Group

Sita Banbas is a theatrical retelling of Uttar Ramayan that explores the banishment of Sita, touching upon themes of love, duty, and justice. The production features live music, dance, painted curtains, and magnificent props, blending Parsi drama elements with a modern twist. The story follows the pain of Sita's banishment, her search for liberation, and her children's quest for identity, culminating in a dramatic climax at Ram's Darbar.

Writer

The play was written by Mohamad Shah, also known as Agha Mohammad Shah Banarsi or Agha Hashar Kashmiri, a poet, playwright, and dramatist who wrote numerous plays, songs, and film screenplays. He often based his works on Shakespeare's classics as well as Indian and Persian mythology.

Director

Director Atul Tiwari is a playwright, director, scriptwriter, and actor trained at the National School of Drama and Berliner Ensemble. His extensive career spans theatre and film, including award-winning film scripts and acting roles, as well as creating immersive experience museums known as “Anubhuti Sangrahalaya” across several Indian cities.

Director’s Note

In his director's note, Atul Tiwari notes that staging Sita Banbas is topical and important for examining the Ramayan through a feminist lens and gaining a 360-degree view of the complex relationship between Ram and Sita. The production blends traditional Parsi theatre styles with modern tools to evoke laughter, tears, and reflection.

Group

Presented by Ank, a Mumbai-based Hindi theatre group created by Dinesh Thakur, the organization has completed 49 years of regular theatre activity. Currently under the stewardship of Preeta Mathur Thakur, the group has staged over 7,500 successful shows of 88 plays across the country and overseas.