Play takes a jibe at gender inequality

Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, August 21

The newly formed Phoenix Theatre Society, Patiala, presented their first production, ‘Mein Virgin Hoon’, in Hindi during the ongoing Young Theatre Director’s Festival ‘at Randhawa Auditorium here today.

The festival has been organised by the Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi. Known for addressing sensitive issues concerning women, acclaimed playwright Kirpal Kazak had taken up the topic of young brides being subjected to harassment, humiliation and even ostracism on the context of ‘virginity’ as the 70-minute play unfolded under the direction of young Maninder Singh.

Rich bachelor Mani (Gursewak) had rejected several prospective brides when young Sudha (Ridhima Gupta), endowed with uprightness and conviction, questioned the virginity of Mani. They get married, but later, Mani accused her of an illicit relationship after their son was born. In the end, good sense prevailed and Mani realised his folly.

The play highlighted the hypocrisy in the society which continues to have a biased attitude towards women since ages.

Ridhima Gupta, Gursewak Singh, Simranjit Kaur, Jagdev Singh and Paramjeet Kaur were part of the cast. Veteran academician and theatre personality Kamlesh Uppal honoured the artistes, while Dr Sahib Singh conducted the programme.