Yajnaseni

Yajnaseni, a Nepali play written by Suman Pokhrel, draws inspiration from the Sanskrit epic The Mahabharata and the Odia novel Yajnaseni by Pratibha Ray. This captivating play has captivated audiences in Nepal, India, and the United States.

Suman Pokhrel skillfully transforms the story into a solo play, focusing solely on the character of Yajnaseni. While staying true to the essence of Draupadi's original tale, Pokhrel adds his personal touch to the play.

At the heart of the narrative is Draupadi, also known as Yajnaseni, a prominent figure in the Mahabharata. The play offers a fresh perspective on the epic, presenting a neo-interpretation from Yajnaseni's viewpoint.

The Aarohan Theatre Group took the initiative to stage Yajnaseni for the first time. The premiere show took place at the Irving Arts Center in Texas, United States, on October 2, 2016, preceding a two-month-long U.S. tour. Under the direction of Sunil Pokharel, Nisha Sharma delivered a remarkable performance as Yajnaseni.

Following its success, the play was showcased at the Ritwik Sadan in Kalyani, West Bengal, India, on January 11, 2017, as part of the 12th Ramdhanu Nattyamela, an event organized by Kalyani Kalamandalam.

In association with the SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneurs Council Nepal, Aarohan later staged Yajnaseni at the Rastriya Naach Ghar (The National Theater) in Jamal, Kathmandu, on November 8, 2019.