Download Draupadi: the Fireborn Princess

DRAUPADI –THE
FIREBORN
PRINCESS
A gripping tale from
the Mahabharataan epic story at
the core of
Indian Culture.
A story of ‘Conflict &
Resolution’
On Friday 13th February, the whole of KS2 went to the Tower Theatre, our local theatre in Folkestone,
to see Sujata Banerjee’s production of Draupadi, which has been our text and driving force for much of
our Literacy learning throughout Term 3.
Sujata first introduced the story of Draupadi, to us during our
‘Creative Arts Project’ in Summer 2014, when she spent 3 days
at our school, giving workshops in Kathak (Classical Indian
dance) and Story-telling to most classes across the school.
She worked over a number of extended sessions with Year 5
(who are now Year 6) to develop their understanding of the story
and develop their skills and love of the discipline of Dance. She
shared her passion for the gripping ‘Draupadi’ story with them.
There was a wonderfully joyful performance outside in the
school grounds, which we all went out to watch.
The touring production…
• Meanwhile, the realisation of Sujata’s dream to get the
story staged had come about.
• A touring production was to be put on by Sujata Banerjee’s
dance company, in conjunction with The Puppet Theatre
and with Arts Council funding and backing. The tour was to
take place across the country and Sujata had made the
decision to stage it at The Tower Theatre, so that was easily
accessible to Sandgate Primary School and the schools in
the Shepway schools cluster.
• We booked to take Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 to this unique
theatrical performance at The Tower Theatre, to see
‘Draupadi, the Fire Born Princess’ - a traditional tale from
India, which was to include the beautiful art forms of
Puppetry, Classical Indian dance and storytelling.
• The dates for the performances planned for Folkestone had
been set for mid February 2015.
To link in with our Pie Corbett ‘Talk for Writing’
project, many classes across KS2 decided to use
the theme of ‘Conflict Resolution’ and learn the
story of ‘Draupadi’ during Term 3 of this year,
knowing that a theatre production was to be staged
in mid February 2015.
Many classes, particularly in Year 4, then wrote
their own stories of Conflict and Resolution,
inspired by it.
You can see these stories displayed in Year 4 now.
Draupadi: the Fireborn Princess
(This is a simplified text of the original that we used in our project)
Many years ago, way back in Hindustan history, two royal brothers were born.
The eldest brother, Dhrita, had 100 sons.
The younger brother, Pandu, was crowned king and had 5 sons.
All of the 5 sons got together and married Draupadi, the Fireborn Princess, who
was the most enchanting and dazzling young woman that any man had ever set
their eyes on.
At the death of Pandu, a conflict started within the family as to who should
become king of the empire.
Pandu’s eldest son, Yudhi, was righteous, well – read, calm, honest, fair and
always put his people first.
Dhrita’s eldest son, Durya, was arrogant, spiteful, cunning and envious.
A mighty war began between the two cousins, inflicting pain and misery on
many.
The two sides of the family fought bitterly against each other.
There were many deaths and tragedies.
Dhrita plotted against Pandu and his brothers.
However, Yudhi was eventually crowned king.
After many years of successfully ruling the kingdom, it was time for Yudhi to retire.
Yudhi crowned Parik, his great grandson, king saying “Let the younger generation
enjoy life while we try to make sense of ours”.
Yudhi left the kingdom with his four brothers, dressed in bark, setting off for the
forest at the foot of the mountains.
Meanwhile, back in the kingdom, cousins were reunited under the rule of Parik, who
was loved and popular with his whole family.
So, the five old men and their Fireborn Princess wife walked towards the great snow
clad mountains, whose peak touched heaven.
As they got ascended the path, it got narrower and steeper.
Suddenly, Draupadi fell and in turn, so did all the four brothers of Yudhi.
At long last, Yudhi found himself at the gates of heaven.
“Come inside,” said the Gods, with arms outstretched, “But keep that dog out.”
In complete surprise, his eyes widened as he found a dog had followed him and was
by his side.
He recognised the dog from the streets of his kingdom. So he pleaded with the Gods to
allow the dog to enter the gates of heaven with him. The Gods refused.
Yudhi pleaded again saying, “That is unfair, why should he be kept out and I be taken
in? We are equals.”
The Gods were extremely pleased with this answer, saying “This dog is none but one
of us, welcome to paradise.”
Year 4 acting out the Draupadi story in class.
On Friday 13th February, we were very fortunate to have had this production staged locally, especially
for us. 240 children and 40 adults went to see the performance. It was a unique and magical
experience, as these photos and comments from children across KS2 demonstrate:
“The way the puppeteers handled the puppets was extraordinary…
they seemed almost lifelike.” (Nicole, Year 6)
“Seeing the performance of Draupadi really helped me to understand the richness of the
Indian culture and brought the story alive.” (Lily, Year 4)
“I loved the puppets because when I was watching them, I saw their moods
changing, and I thought this was so cool…very talented puppeteers!” (Will, Year 6)
“The most surprising thing for me was how amazing the dancers were and how the whole
play was put together so fabulously.” (Fern , Year 4)
“I felt it gave me more inspiration seeing it as a performance, with the actors and
dancers singing well too…it felt so real.” (James, Year 3.)
“The way the puppeteers handled the .puppets was extraordinary… the
storytelling was also great, with the old version of Draupadi starting it all off.”
(Eleanor, Year 5)
We would especially like to thank Sujata for the last ten years of inspiring
workshops she has delivered at Sandgate Primary School, for her passion in
directing this amazing production and for bringing it to Folkestone.
SUJATA BANERJEE DANCE COMPANY:
Sujata Banerjee Dance Company is an arts organisation formed in 1985
committed to promoting South Asian arts and music in the UK and beyond.
The Company has been at the forefront of South Asian culture in the UK for
the past two decades creating innovative choreographic pieces and creating
partnerships with other organisations and artists.
"Enriching Education, Nurturing Innovation & Promoting Excellence"