Lucknow: Set in the traditional ‘Rachnadrishya’ storytelling format, two plays, ‘Thes’ and ‘Aparichit’, weaving together themes of love tested by sacrifice and relationships challenged by truth, were staged at Buddha Auditorium, Gomtinagar, on Saturday.Organised by Bharatiyam theatre group, in collaboration with Shivanjana Entertainments, both productions were directed by veteran theatre practitioner Gopal Sinha.“Rachnadrishya is an innovative expression in which a single performer breathes life into diverse personas, proving how imagination and performance together can create the greatest magic,” said Sinha.The 90-minute double-bill opened with ‘Thes’, a solo story-telling performance by Rupali Chandra. Portraying the role of Masterni, she also slipped into several other characters, seamlessly shifting between identities to narrate the poignant story of emotional neglect and the quiet sacrifices of a woman devoted to her husband.The evening then transitioned to ‘Aparichit’, adapted by Radheshyam Soni from Ashutosh Shukla’s story, in which Rajeev Ranjan Singh described his titular portrayal as ‘an emotional journey’. The narrative raised ethical questions surrounding scientific advancement while asking whether family is ultimately defined by blood or trust.Highlight of the event was felicitation of Padma Shri Awardees Vidya Bindu and Anil Rastogi by Bhartiyam founder Puneet Asthana in recognition of their distinguished contributions to literature and India’s cultural heritage.
