What is "The Anklet" play about?

The play "The Anklet" by director Shatarupa Bhattacharya reimagines the Tamil epic Silappadikaram, transforming the story of Kannagi into a powerful reflection of justice and truth.

How does the play explore the theme of women's anger?

The play aims to present women's anger without drama or apology, allowing it to take up space and breathe, as director Shatarupa believes women's anger is often dismissed as hysteria or overreaction.

Why is Kannagi's story still relevant today?

According to the director, Kannagi's courage and the refusal of her story to fade feel urgent even in the present day, as her silence and the dismissal of women's voices remain familiar.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Kannagi's Timeless Tale Reimagined for Modern Audiences

Kannagi's Timeless Tale Reimagined for Modern Audiences

13 Nov

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Summary

Director Shatarupa Bhattacharya's play "The Anklet" reimagines the Tamil epic Silappadikaram
Kannagi's story is transformed from myth into a powerful reflection of justice and truth
Women's anger and the power of a woman's voice to define justice are central themes

Kannagi's Timeless Tale Reimagined for Modern Audiences

In 2025, director Shatarupa Bhattacharya is set to stage her play "The Anklet," which reimagines the Tamil epic Silappadikaram for today's audiences. Shatarupa shares that Kannagi's courage and her story's refusal to fade feel urgent even in the present day, as her silence and the dismissal of women's anger remain familiar.

The idea for the play came from Shatarupa's personal conversations with her Tamil friends, who spoke about Kannagi with such passion, as if she were not a myth but a living presence. Shatarupa was intrigued by the radical nature of the ancient text, which allowed a woman's truth to shape the moral conscience of an entire civilization. She wanted to explore what it means for a woman to speak her truth across centuries.