‘Ratnavali’ captivates audience with powerful storytelling at Lekhika Natya Mahotsav

Nagpur: The 27th Lekhika Natya Mahotsav opened on a poignant and inspiring note at Sai Sabhagruh, Shankar Nagar, on Friday, with the drama ‘Ratnavali' leaving the audience spellbound. Written and directed by Rujuta Manohar, who also played the titular role, the play portrayed the emotional journey of a woman writer battling societal and familial constraints to reclaim her passion for storytelling. On November 1, play ‘Shikar' written by Urmila Deshpande and directed by Prabha Deoskar and another play ‘Zindagi Dhoop Tum Ghana Saya' staged on November 2 celebrated women's creative voices in theatre.Drama ‘Ratnavali' beautifully captured the internal and external struggles of Ratna, a poet and playwright who dreams of literary fame but is forced to abandon her writing after marriage due to lack of support from her husband and in-laws. Following years of loneliness and disillusionment, she rediscovers her lost spark when a young admirer and an old friend encourage her to write again. Ratna's rediscovery of her voice and eventual reconciliation with her estranged family formed the emotional core of the drama, earning thunderous applause from the audience. The cast, including Aparna Punekar, Swati Deshpande, Neeta Shende, Nishigandha Chafekar, Jayi Pitale, Sukrut Joglekar, Shruti Punekar, Shreya Punekar, and Vinita Paithankar, brought depth and authenticity to the performance. The play's sensitive portrayal of artistic perseverance and womanhood resonated strongly with viewers, making it a highlight of the festival's opening day.During the inaugural ceremony, veteran theatre artist Shubhada Sawdekar was felicitated by Padmagandha Sahitya Pratishthan for her remarkable contribution to Marathi theatre. The felicitation was carried out by noted theatre personalities Prabha Deoskar, Sangita Waikar, Shubhangi Gaan, Pravin Rajvaidya, and Bhaskar Patil. Sawdekar, in her address, fondly remembered her association with the late Shubhangi Bhadbhade, founder president of the pratishthan, and lauded the organisation for promoting women dramatists for nearly three decades. Prabha Deoskar, president of the pratishthan, delivered the welcome address, while Sangita Waikar conducted the proceedings, and Shubhangi Gaan proposed a vote of thanks. Pravin Rajvaidya, superintending auditor and chief guest for the event, inaugurated the festival and praised the legacy of Bhadbhade's literary work.