Jan 03 2025 to Jan 03 2025 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

English | 120 minutes (with Interval) | Suitable for All Ages

“Vhay, I am Savitribai Phule!” presents the remarkable story of a 19th-century pioneer who shattered societal barriers through education and social reform. Born into a time when women’s education was forbidden, Savitribai’s journey from illiteracy to becoming India’s first woman teacher exemplifies extraordinary courage and determination.

The play, originally written in Marathi and premiered on 3rd January 1989, has evolved into a powerful narrative that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. Written, directed, and initially performed by Sushama Deshpande, the production has since been translated into nine languages, including Hindi and most recently, English, reaching diverse audiences both nationally and internationally.

At its heart, this is a story of revolutionary partnership. Inspired by her husband, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai carved her own identity as a dynamic administrator and social reformer. Together, they established the Satyashodhak Samaj and tackled various social issues: managing orphanages, feeding poor children during droughts, supporting widows, and notably organizing the Barber’s strike against caste oppression. Their work in colonial India challenged both gender inequality and caste discrimination, with Savitribai continuing their mission even after Jyotiba’s death.

The production maintains deliberate simplicity in its staging, using minimal props, lighting, and music to focus on the power of the narrative. Though initially conceived as a solo performance, it was later adapted into a duo act before returning to its original one-person format in its English incarnation. Notably, the script has been made freely available to all potential performers since 1989, reflecting the playwright’s belief that Savitri’s legacy belongs to everyone.

As times change and social frameworks evolve, the Phules’ work remains remarkably relevant to contemporary Indian society. Their story, brought to life through this production, continues to illuminate paths toward social justice and equality, offering vital lessons for present and future generations.

Currently performed by Nandita Patkar, this English adaptation particularly resonates with India’s youth, making this historic narrative accessible to new audiences while preserving its powerful message of education, emancipation, and social reform.

Director’s Note:

“Vhay Mee Savitribai,” originally a Marathi production that premiered on 3rd January 1989, is a timeless narrative transcending borders and languages. After translating the script into Hindi in 1992, I have performed it both nationally and internationally. The play has since been translated into nine languages, with English being its latest adaptation. While Marathi remains the regional language of Maharashtra and Hindi the national language of India, English was chosen for this version as it increasingly connects with India’s youth, many of whom may not speak Hindi.

When the play debuted in 1989, I deliberately made the script freely available to all potential performers. This decision stemmed from my belief that despite being the scriptwriter, I had no right to claim ownership over Savitri’s life, work, or spirit. Though primarily conceived as a solo performance, I later experimented with the format by adapting it into a duo act featuring two new actors. However, the current English version, “Vhay, I am Savitribai Phule,” returns to its solo format, which I believe best serves the script’s essence. The production has been deliberately designed for simplicity, requiring minimal staging, props, lighting, and music.

Credits

Creative Team

Writer and Director: Sushama Deshpande

English Translation: Shanta Gokhale

Play-script: Manjiri Bhuskute

Artist: Nandita Patkar

Music

Composition: Tejaswinee Ingale

Operation: Parag Sarang

Production

Production Support: Samruddhi Chemburkar, Dattatray Pawar, Rohit Pawar, Sujit Kulkarni

Technical Support: Atharv Gokhale, Abhijeet Telgote

Lighting: Akshay Khaire, Ram Saidpure

Media

Design and Publicity: Vishwas Kanekar, Abhishek Harvande

Camera and Editing: Ravi Nikam and team

Producer

Anjor Communications

Special Thanks

Mridula Bhatkar, Shilpa Sane, Shubhangi Bhujbal, Dr Sanjyot Deshpande and friends
Artistes
Sushama Deshpande
Writer & Director

Sushama Deshpande has worked in experimental theatre for over 45 years, focusing on social change through performance. Theatre remains her primary medium for expression and activism.

As a writer, director and actor, she has created significant female characters in plays such as “Vhay, Mi Savitribai”, “Baya Daar Ughad”, “Tichya Aaichi Goshta” and “Aaydaan”. Since its premiere on 3rd January 1989, she has performed “Vhay, Mi Savitribai” more than a thousand times in Marathi and Hindi.

Her work in Theatre of the Oppressed involves close collaboration with marginalised communities. Beyond theatre, she has performed in films including “Umbartha”, “Aaji” and “My Mother’s Girlfriend”.

She has received the Savitribai Phule Puraskar, Maharashtra Foundation award, ZEE award, and Best Actor at the Asian Film Festival for her contributions to theatre and cinema.
Nandita Patkar
Actor

Nandita Patkar began her career with the Awishkar theatre group before working as a Radio Jockey with All India Radio (AIR). After training under Pt. Satyadev Dubey and Chetan Datar, she established herself in experimental theatre.

Her theatre work includes performances in “Bayaa daar Ughad”, “Aaydaan”, “Sukhant” and “Deepstambh”. She later moved into television and cinema, appearing in films such as “Elizabeth Ekadashi”, “Ani Dr Kashinath Ghanekar” and “Baba”. Her television work spans several series including “Maaze pati saubhagyavati”, “Tu maza Sangati” and “Sahkutumb Sahparivar”.

Her contributions to Marathi arts have been recognised with the Zee Puraskar, MaTa Sanman and Loksatta Tarun Tejankit Award.