Abhigyan Shakuntalam
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Authors
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Publisher
National School of Drama, New Delhi
Abstract
Abhijnana sakuntalam (The Recognition of Shakuntala) is the most celebrated Sanskrit drama by Kalidasa, generally dated between the 4th and 5th centuries CE. Adapted from an episode in the Mahabharata, the play narrates the love story of King Duṣyanta and Shakuntala. After a curse causes the king to forget her, a lost ring becomes the key to recovering his memory, leading to their eventual reunion. Renowned for its poetic beauty, emotional depth, and sophisticated dramatic structure, the play explores themes of love, separation, memory, destiny, forgiveness, nature, and dharma.
Description
Ramji Bali is an Indian theatre practitioner, actor, director, and theatre educator associated with the National School of Drama. He has extensive experience in Indian classical theatre traditions, actor training, and performance pedagogy. As the guide for this Indian Classical Scenework, he supervised students in interpreting Kālidāsa's classical Sanskrit drama through traditional acting techniques, movement, gesture (abhinaya), voice, and character development.
Citation
National School of Drama. (2024, February 13). Indian Classical Scenework (Abhigyan Shakuntalam) [Theatre performance]. Guided by Ramji Bali. National School of Drama, New Delhi.
