Urmila is a thought-provoking play that delves into the complex ethical and gender-related issues that have been woven into the fabric of society throughout history. Set in the ancient land of Ayodhya, the play centres on the character of Urmila from the Ramayana, a woman whose life is dramatically altered by a seemingly innocuous command from her husband, Lakshmana: "Sleep, my sleep." This deceptively simple directive raises profound questions about autonomy, consent, and the price individuals, especially women, have paid for their obedience throughout time.

The play explores the power dynamics inherent in the relationship between Urmila and Lakshmana, raising questions about consent, agency, and approval. Urmila's journey represents a broader commentary on the struggles faced by individuals in different time periods and perhaps even in the future.

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THE CREW -

🎬Written and Directed by: Nimmy Raphel

🎭Performers: Nimmy Raphel, Vinay Kumar, and Sooraj S

🎶Music Composed by: Vinay Kumar

🎵Music Played by: aPurpleHeart

💡Light Designed by: Vinay Kumar

✨Lights Played by: Subodh Subrahmanya

🎞️ Program Managed by: Subramanya M

👗Costumes by: Manju Bargavi & Nimmy Raphel

🙌Set Designed by: Harini Raj, Sowjanya Kulandran & Nimmy Raphel

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ABOUT THE ARTIST -

About Adishakti Theatre

Adishakti Laboratory for Theatre Arts & Research is a performance company based out of Pondicherry, India, engaged in the research and reanimation of traditional and folk knowledge in theatre, dance, music, movement, and craft forms. Started in 1981 by late theatre director Veenapani Chawla, Adishakti has aimed at re-establishing the validity of theatre around the notion of the live presence of the performer and worked towards widening the scope of theatre. The aim is to equip the performer with tools whereby she can impact her audience through an enhanced and vibrating energy both physically and psychologically. Adishakti Theatre has been disseminating this alternative performance language through its Source of Performance Energy (SOPE) workshops, and performances based on Indian epics in India and abroad.