Jammu, May 31: As part of the ongoing Saptahik Rangdhara theatre series organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), the compelling play Vaishya was staged Saturday at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
The play, written, designed, and directed by Shazi Khan (Dilshad Ahmed), is a poignant exploration of a woman’s struggle against societal prejudice and injustice. The story begins with her death, marked by a cry of protest at being labelled a “Vaishya” (prostitute), and unfolds in flashbacks that trace her journey from a devoted, pregnant wife to a woman cast out and forced into a life of despair. After the untimely death of her husband, the protagonist faces abandonment from her in-laws, leading to homelessness and extreme poverty. In a desperate bid to feed her starving child, she resorts to theft and is subsequently exploited. Ultimately, she is driven into prostitution to ensure her child’s survival—only to be rejected later by that very child, now ashamed of her. The emotional climax sees her raise haunting questions about societal hypocrisy, questioning why children are still left in orphanages and parents are abandoned in old age homes.
Dr Javaid Rahi, divisional head, JKAACL Jammu, felicitated the performing group with a memento and commended their powerful artistic expression and commitment to socially conscious theatre. The production featured a strong ensemble cast, with Ridhima Kalsi delivering a standout performance in the lead role, marked by depth, grace, and emotional intensity. Supporting performances by Saksham, Tushar Sharma, Vishal Hans, and others added richness to the narrative. The technical aspects of the production were equally commendable. Lighting was managed by Pankaj Sharma and Kamakshya Dogra, music was composed by Lokesh Chandar and Jung Bahadur, and choreography was led by Umesh Kumar. The set and properties were designed by Irfana Bano and Sheetal Kalotra, while costumes were crafted by Neha Sharma and Tushar Sharma. The production was overseen by Shashank Singh Rajput, with coordination by Tara Chand and hall management by Team NDKM and the staff of JKAACL.
