Mahashweta Devi’s play Daayan shows bitter truth of society

Mahashweta Devi’s play Daayan gave shivers to the audience, as it unveiled the bitter truth of the society. Giving an insight of what life is like in villages and till what extend superstitious can destroy a person’s life, a Hindi play ‘Daayan’ was staged.

The play was performed on Friday at Shaheed Bhavan marking the opening of a three day theatre festival Rang Triveni Theatre Festival. Directed by Nizam Patel the play was performed by the theatre artists of Maahi Socio Cultural theatre troupe, Bhopal.

The entire story revolves around what happens with her when she was not supported even by her husband. Through the play the writer questions the society, the superstition prevailing and the loss of humanity. The play also gave the audience a lot to reflect upon and think logically about the villages today.

Dayaan is a story of a village girl Chandi. She lives in a village affected by drought. The poor are suffering with the drought and the children are dying. Meanwhile, all the evils of nature are happening in the village, there is a married woman who works in the cemetery. She is looked down upon as she lives near the cemetery; she is believed to be a Daayan by the villagers.

As children started to die in the village, the villagers put all the blame on the woman they think is a Daayan. The villagers started to blame her, abuse her and wanted to throw her out of the village, as they think that she is the reason for drought in village.

Chandi is left alone. Her husband leaves her and her son was forced to live without her. Shattered with life’s tests, Chandi once witness something that left her life upside down. Chandi overheard some people about their plan to loot the train.

Chandi warns them not to loot the train but unfortunately saving the people, Chandi dies. Railway department honours Chandi for her bravery and the same society who called her daayan feels proud and guilty.

The play was wonderfully performed. Through strong dialogues and matured acting skills the artists were able to impress the audience.