SATI

Inspired by the Hindu myth, Sati and Shiva, and the practice of Sati

Book and Lyrics by Vaibu Mohan

Music by Zachary Catron

TW/CW: Violence, Gender-based violence

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Cast of Characters

- All characters are South Asian/of South Asian descent. Casting must reflect this fact.

Roop (female/female identifying)- ages from 14 to 18, the youngest of five daughters,
precocious teenager who loves books, wonders what else exists beyond her village

Sati (female/female identifying)- mid-late 20s, an incarnation of the Mother Goddess, chose to
marry for love and paid a price for it, strong dancer and singer

Roop/s Mother (female/female identifying)- 35-40 years old, the mother of five daughters,
married young and had little to no education, desperately wants to get her last two daughters
married

Megha (female/female identifying)- ages from 17 to 21, the second youngest of five daughters,
mostly mute (by choice), despises the attention her mother gives her

Aarti (female/female identifying)- ages from 14 to 18, Roop’s childhood best friend, engaged to
be married and excited to be a wife

Mrs. Narayan (female/female identifying)- 40-45 years old, the wife of the wealthiest man in
the community, her son went to America and is working there now, looks down on those less
fortunate than her

Shiva (male/male identifying)- mid 20s-mid 30s- God of Destruction, Sati’s husband, strong
dancer

Neelkanth (male/male identifying)- mid-late 20s- Mrs. Narayan’s one and only son, incredibly
handsome and knows it in a non-obnoxious way, obviously uncomfortable with his mother
settling him up with young girls

Storytellers (any gender expression)- any age- the guides for Roop and for the audience, can we
trust them?

Ensemble (primarily female/female identifying)- townspeople, mothers, daughters, bystanders

Dance Ensemble (primarily female/female identifying)- all Bharanatyam dancers

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SCENE 1

We begin with a drone. The drone feels endless. It feels like it is coming from everywhere and
nowhere at the same time. The first sound. The primordial signal from the universe for creation
to begin.

STORYTELLER 1
Do you know who told the first story?

The “Om” is reiterated.

STORYTELLER 1
The children of stars. The dust that fell to the Earth.

STORYTELLER 2
Mother Earth buried us in pots and whispered in our ears as we grew.

STORYTELLER 3
As gasses in the sky compressed together, they became amazingly hot and then

ALL STORYTELLERS
BOOM!

The “Om” is reiterated.

STORYTELLER 1
A sound.

STORYTELLER 2
A word.

STORYTELLER 3
The first waves rippling through a dark sky.

STORYTELLER 1
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We have a story to tell

STORYTELLER 2 (overlapping)
We have a story to tell

STORYTELLER 3 (overlapping)
We have a story tell

ALL STORYTELLERS
Will you listen?

All of the performers step forward and look towards the sky. The lights shift from primordial
mess to sunrise.

Performer 1 takes the lead and breaks from the group. They go to the back of the stage and pick
up an instrument (like a paintbrush or something) and begin to paint on the ground. The shapes
that they paint on the ground will appear as they are being painted on the back screen.
Performer 1 draws a womanly figure holding the abhaya hastam (palm open and facing
forward).

STORYTELLER 1
A SARI MADE OF STARDUST. A BORDER WOVEN FROM LEAVES.
HER HAIR AS BLACK AS THE OCEAN’S DEPTH. LIFE LIVES ON HER SLEEVES.

SHE RIDES LIKE THUNDER ON A LION’S BACK.

WITH EYES LIKE JUSTICE, READY TO ATTACK.

FROM HER WOMB CAME RAIN.

FROM HER WOMB CAME PAIN.
AND HER WOMB. HER WOMB BROUGHT US EVERYTHING WE NOW SHARE.

MY MOTHER LIVES UP THERE.

Storyteller 2 takes the paintbrush from Storyteller 1 and begins adding to the picture of the
figure. SATI appears from the shadows and begins to replace the drawing.

STORYTELLER 2
A WOMAN WITH A VISION WHO SEES FUTURE, PRESENT AND PAST.
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A WOMAN WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN OUR FIRST MOMENT AND OUR
LAST.

A WOMAN WHO HAS BEAUTY BEYOND MORTAL WORDS.

A WOMAN WHO CREATED THE FISH AND THE BIRDS.

FROM HER WOMB CAME RAIN.

FROM HER WOMB CAME PAIN.
AND HER WOMB BROUGHT US EVERYTHING OUT THERE.

A GODDESS LIVES UP THERE.

Performer 3 goes up to Performer 2 and takes the paintbrush from them. They continue to add to
the picture. They add a new figure.

PERFORMER 3
AT HER SIDE, THERE SITS A POWER BEYOND ALL COMPARE.
THE LORD OF THE CYCLE OF LIFE AND DEATH.
WHOSE MIND REACHES EVERYWHERE.

NO ONE CAN LOOK AT HIM OR ELSE IN A FLASH

HIS THIRD EYE WILL TURN THEM TO ASH.

BUT WITH MOTHER, HE IS FATHER.

HE IS GENTLE. HE IS CALM.
SHE MAKES HIM BETTER.
LIKE A WOUND TAKES TO A BALM.

ALL PERFORMERS
TWO ETERNAL FORCES WITH THEIR
COSMIC POWERS COMBINED
RAISED THIS WORLD FROM NOTHING.
FROM DARKNESS CAME THE DIVINE.

THEY WERE THE FIRST

AND THEY WILL BE THE LAST.
WHEN WE ARE ALL MEMORIES.
DUST IN THE PAST.
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AND FROM HER WOMB CAME RAIN.

FROM HER WOMB CAME PAIN.
AND HER WOMB GIVES US ANSWERS TO EVERY PRAYER.

OUR MOTHER LIVES UP THERE.

OUR FATHER LIVES UP THERE.
THE GODS LIVE UP THERE. (x2)
THERE IS A WOND’ROUS WORLD UP THERE. (x2)

The performers step back and look at their creation. What is present on the backboard is a crude
rendering of Sati and Shiva sitting next to each other.

PERFORMER 1
Well, now we know what is up there.

PERFORMER 2
Our creators.

PERFORMER 3
But how shall we praise them?

ALL PERFORMERS
Yes, how shall we praise them?

PERFORMER 1
TELL THE PEOPLE OF THEIR GLORY.

PERFORMER 2
TELL THE PEOPLE THEIR STORY.

ALL PERFORMERS
TELL THE PEOPLE OF THEIR GLORY.
TELL THE PEOPLE THEIR STORY.

FULL CAST
TELL THE PEOPLE OF THEIR GLORY!
TELL THE PEOPLE THEIR STORY!
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Over the following, the rest of the cast enters including a pregnant mother, ROOP’S MOTHER.
An ensemble of dancers appears as the back screen raises. They begin performing a modified
mallari, a temple dance done before the idols of deities are brought in for the temple procession.

As the dancers are doing their thing, I imagine the rest of the cast (non-dancers) are doing some
sick choral singing (harmonies out the butt). Eventually, the mallari comes to a crescendo and
SATI and SHIVA appear, larger than life. We may not even see them yet. They could also be
behind the screen and dancing in silhouette through shadow play.

THE STORYTELLERS notice ROOP’S MOTHER in the crowd.

STORYTELLER 1
A new story begins.

STORYTELLER 3
Triumph or strife?

When SATI and SHIVA appear, ROOP’S MOTHER begins going into labor. As SHIVA lets down
his hair and a river begins to pour from it, ROOP’S MOTHER’S water breaks. Any male
presence on stage disappears, including SHIVA, and only women are left on the stage. They
quickly turn from bystanders into midwives. The lights change color from the sunny palette to a
rolling twilight as ROOP’S MOTHER toils with her difficult labor. SATI is present in shadow for
the entirety of the labor.

WOMAN 1
The time is near!

WOMAN 2
Praise the Divine Mother!

ROOP’S MOTHER lets out an otherworldly scream. SATI winces.

ROOP’S MOTHER
I can’t! I can’t! I can’t!

WOMAN 1
EVERY WOMAN BEARS THIS BURDEN. AND NOW IT IS YOUR TIME.

ALL WOMEN
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BREATHE. SQUEEZE.
IN OUT. IN OUT.

WOMAN 2
EVERY WOMAN NEEDS GUIDANCE AS THE PRESSURE CLIMBS.

ALL WOMEN
BREATHE. SQUEEZE.
IN OUT. IN OUT.

WOMAN 1 AND 2
HERE IS MY HAND. SQUEEZE HARD AND LONG.
BREATHE DEEPLY, MY DEAR. YOU MUST BE STRONG.
SOON THERE WILL BE A BABY TO FEED ON YOUR BREAST.
WARM ON YOUR CHEST.

BREATHE. SQUEEZE.
IN OUT. IN OUT.
IN OUT. IN OUT.

ALL WOMEN
OUR MOTHER IS UP THERE.
SMILING DOWN ON YOU.
OUR MOTHER IS HOLDING YOUR HAND.
YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO.

BREATHE. SQUEEZE.
IN OUT. IN OUT.

BREATHE. SQUEEZE.
IN OUT. IN OUT.

PUSH. PUSH.
ONE MORE PUSH!

While ROOP’S MOTHER is pushing, SATI opens the curtains where she has been hidden and
appears. She is still not fully lit. She watches the proceedings. As the women get more fervent
and insistent, SATI notices that ROOP’s MOTHER is in distress. She makes a motion with her
hands and transforms the atmosphere from cheerful to concerned. The baby is a breech and is
coming out feet first. Mother and baby may not survive this.
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WOMAN 2
Wait darling wait!

WOMAN 1
I don’t see the head.

All the women surround ROOP’S MOTHER. SATI looks down on them. The baby is a breach and
is coming out feet first.

WOMAN 2
She can’t push. She will die.

WOMAN 1
If she doesn’t, the baby will die.

ROOP’S MOTHER
I have to push! I need to push!

WOMAN 1
Hold on, dear.

WOMAN 1 looks at the women around her and motions for them to surround ROOP’S MOTHER
and begin a prayer. Over the following, SATI begins to descend from the platform and approach
the group of women. As they are praying, SATI makes a pressing motion towards ROOP’S
MOTHER’s belly which effectively gets the child out.

ALL WOMEN
FROM HER WOMB CAME RAIN
FROM HER WOMB CAME PAIN

IN HER WOMB, A GROWTH

FROM HER WOMB CAME HOPE.

ROOP’S MOTHER gives one more bloodcurdling scream which is promptly followed by the cries
of a child. SATI kisses ROOP’S MOTHER on the forehead.

WOMAN 1
Glory to our Mother!
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WOMAN 2
Praise her name!

ROOP’S MOTHER
Let me hold him. Please!

The women bring the baby up and the laughter stops. SATI looks towards the group.

ROOP’S MOTHER
What’s wrong? Is the baby alright?

STORYTELLER 1
This story begins with a cry.

STORYTELLER 2
The cry of a child.

The baby begins crying and all of the women stay frozen.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Give him to me. Please!

SATI reaches over into the group of women and takes the baby. The baby almost immediately
stops crying. SATI gives the baby a kiss on the forehead and hands her, ROOP, to ROOP’S
MOTHER. ROOP’S MOTHER looks at her baby and falls silent.

STORYTELLERS
Her.

ROOP’S MOTHER
No. No no no no!!

Not another!

WOMAN 1
Bad luck.

WOMAN 2
Next time.
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As ROOP’S MOTHER falls into hysterics holding the baby, the STORYTELLERS come back
onstage on the platform.

ROOP begins crying off stage. ROOP’S MOTHER curls into the fetal position as SATI takes her
position back where she began.

ALL PERFORMERS
FROM HER WOMB CAME RAIN.
FROM HER WOMB CAME PAIN.
A GIRL.
A BLESSING.
AN ANSWER TO OUR PRAYERS.
FROM OUR MOTHER UP THERE!

Baby ROOP begins to cry again. The lights pulse extremely bright and then dim.

END OF SCENE 1
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Scene 2

Lights shift and ROOP’S MOTHER gets off the floor. SATI disappears from the front of the dias
to behind the curtain in shadows. The performers take places similar to where they were at the
opening.

STORYTELLER 1
Poor dear.

STORYTELLER 2
To be born a girl.

STORYTELLER 3
A pity really.

ALL STORYTELLERS
A blessing.

Music is more folk-like. An air of jollity. SATI’s silhouette at the back of the stage is replaced by
a flurry of activity as the puppet show is being set up behind the curtain.

STORYTELLER 1
What shall we name her?

ALL STORYTELLERS
Yes, what shall we name her?

STORYTELLER 2
Something sweet?

STORYTELLER 3
Something simple?

STORYTELLER 1
A name fit for a goddess.

ROOP enters wearing a red and white churidar with a bandhani printed dupatta. Her hair is in
two braids tied with a bow on the bottom of each braid. Her face is covered by a book. She stops
in the middle of the stage and turns around still covering her face with her book.
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ROOP’S MOTHER
Roop!

The performers nod in agreement when her name is uttered. ROOP brings the book down,
showing her face to the audience for the first time. ROOP’S MOTHER enters the stage dragging
along ROOP’s sister, MEGHA.

ROOP’S MOTHER
WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU? RUNNING OFF LIKE THAT.
ONE DAY YOU’LL END UP ON THE ROAD.
SMASHED OR SQUASHED. LAID OUT FLAT.
AND AFTER THAT-

ROOP
(not looking up from the book) MA! I KNOW.

ROOP’S MOTHER grabs ROOP’s chin and forces her to face up towards her.

ROOP’S MOTHER
WHAT COULD BE THERE ON THAT PAGE
THAT YOU DIG YOUR NOSE INSIDE?
LOOK UP AT OUR PEOPLE. TRY TO ENGAGE.
WHY DO YOU HIDE?

ROOP
Why are we here, Ma? Puppet shows are for babies. We’ve heard this story a thousand times.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Chup (shut up)! Always thinking about yourself. Think about your poor, unmarried sister.

ROOP
Ma. Look around. There are no boys here.

ROOP’S MOTHER
You don’t need boys to make an arrangement.

A group of women show up. Some are older and have brought their grandchildren and some are
younger and have brought their children. At the head of their posse stands Mrs. Narayan, the
wife of the richest and most influential man in the village.
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ROOP’S MOTHER
(to Roop) Behave yourself.

ROOP’s MOTHER goes off to charm MRS. NARAYAN, dragging MEGHA behind her. ROOP is
left alone with her book. The lights go on showing the puppet show in shadows. They are still
setting up. The puppeteers are putting puppets together. Musicians are tuning their instruments.
More and more people are gathering. ROOP’s MOTHER is animatedly talking to MRS.
NARAYAN, who could care less about her or her daughter.

ROOP’S MOTHER
And she cooks and she cleans. She can mend and sew. She knows what to do on every holy day.

MRS. NARAYAN
You don’t say?

ROOP’S MOTHER
And her complexion. So clear and so fair. You won’t find such a beauty.

MRS. NARAYAN looks towards MEGHA and inspects her. MEGHA looks down.

MRS. NARAYAN
How unfortunate for you. To have five daughters.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Well, three are married now. Thank God!

MRS. NARAYAN
Such a… financial burden. I hope you left enough for your younger ones.

MRS. NARAYAN gives ROOP’S MOTHER a once over, smirking at her simply cotton sari and
lack of jewelery save her mangalsutra, earrings, and nose ring. But that’s just standard for these
women. Common even.

ROOP’S MOTHER
My husband and I have been saving.

MRS. NARAYAN
Right. You’re husband working in Mumbai, is it? I heard he is a porter.

ROOP’S MOTHER
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He works hard to provide for us.

MRS. NARAYAN
My son has always wanted one of those motorbikes. I’ve never understood it. But boys will be
boys.

The pointed remark shoots directly into ROOP’S MOTHER. She motions to MEGHA and the two
of them back away. MRS. NARAYAN addresses her posse.

MRS. NARAYAN
What a pity. A laborer with five daughters. Sins do follow you to the next life.

ROOP’S MOTHER walks away from MEGHA and goes towards the puppet show. She does not
want her daughters to see her this upset. MEGHA and ROOP are left alone.

ROOP
That woman is horrible.

MEGHA does not respond.

ROOP
Do you want to go watch the show?

MEGHA shakes her head no and begins to walk aimlessly off stage. ROOP calls out after her.

ROOP
I’ll see you at home!

ROOP’S MOTHER heads back over to ROOP and sees MEGHA walking away.

ROOP’S MOTHER
What did you say to her?

ROOP
Nothing! Maybe she’s tired.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Well there goes 10 rupees. You stay close to me. I won’t lose 10 more.
 Mohan and Catron 15

ROOP’S MOTHER takes the book out of ROOP’s hands before she can protest. She turns her
attention to the puppet show. ROOP is left, bookless, facing the audience. The puppet show
begins still in shadows. The STORYTELLERS surround ROOP and begin narrating the story.

STORYTELLER 1
ONCE UPON A TIME

STORYTELLER 2
THERE LIVED A LONELY KING

STORYTELLER 3
A KING WHO HAD EVERYTHING

STORYTELLERS
BUT A CHILD TO HAVE AND HOLD.

STORYTELLER 1
SO THE KING BUILT A HOLY FIRE.

STORYTELLER 2
GAVE THE GODS ALL THEY REQUIRE

STORYTELLER 3
AND THERE IS HIS HANDS. HIS HEART’S DESIRE.

STORYTELLERS
A CHILD TO HAVE AND HOLD.
(sung) SATI

A puppet of SATI appears and as the puppet appears, SATI appears in a spotlight. She is dressed
in a white sari, ethereal and effervescent. Beside her, KING DAKSHA enters and he takes her
hands in his. But it is not a kind gesture.

STORYTELLER 1
SHE GREW EVERYDAY INTO A FAIR MAIDEN

STORYTELLER 2
A MAIDEN SOON TO BE A BRIDE.
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STORYTELLER 3
SO HER FATHER SEARCHED FAR AND WIDE

STORYTELLERS
FOR A MAN TO STAND BY HER SIDE.

SHIVA appears next to SATI and breaks the grip that DAKSHA has on her. He takes her hands
and leads her away from him. He does not grip her hands but holds them and supports her
through the movements. Their movements feel like two halves of a whole. DAKSHA watches from
the side and his anger increases.

STORYTELLER 1
SATI’S HEART LED HER FAR FROM FATHER’S ARMS.

STORYTELLER 2
TO A PLACE SHE DID NOT KNOW.

STORYTELLER 3
SATI FOUND HER OTHER HALF IN THE GOD OF DESTRUCTION.

STORYTELLERS
IN HIM, HE FOUND HER HOME.

DAKSHA goes towards SHIVA and SATI and takes SATI by the hair. He violently pulls her away
from SHIVA and she falls to the floor. SHIVA disappears. DAKSHA and SATI fight and it seems
like DAKSHA is going to gain the upper hand.

STORYTELLER 1
HER FATHER’S BLESSING WAS STILL NEEDED.

STORYTELLER 2
SO SATI BEGGED AND SHE PLEADED.

STORYTELLER 3
AND THAWED HER FATHER’S HEART.

SATI’s hair has come asunder and her appearance is completely different from the beginning of
the sequence. She looks like a woman possessed by rage. As DAKSHA brings his hand up to
strike her across the face, SATI grabs his hand and throws him down. Over the following, SATI
 Mohan and Catron 17

violently rips DAKSHA’s heart out of his chest. And then, fire. Flames begin to lick at every
corner of the stage. SATI’s clothing looks like it is smoking. ROOP is terrified.

STORYTELLERS
(sung) HAPPILY EVER AFTER. THAT’S HOW IT ENDS.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER. NO TEARS SHED, MY FRIENDS.
HAPPILY HAPPILY HAPPILY HAPPILY.
HAPPILY HAPPILY HAPPILY HAPPILY.

ROOP
NO!!!

Everything around ROOP freezes. The shadow puppets disappear. There is a huge disparity
between the people laughing at the cute puppet show and the woman who just ripped her father’s
heart out of his chest.

ROOP
WHAT IS THIS? THIS VIOLENCE.
A FATHER STRUCK BY HIS CHILD.
THIS ENDING IS ONE I’VE NEVER SEEN.

I KNEW THIS AS A TALE OF LOVE AND FEALTY.

HONOR AND PRIDE.
IT WAS SIMPLE. IT WAS CLEAN.

BUT NOW THERE’S A WOMAN WITH POWER DRIPPING FROM HER HANDS.
A WOMAN WHO IS STRONG. A WOMAN WITH RAGE. SHE CAN TAKE COMMAND!

BEYOND THE WORDS ON THE PAGE

A WHOLE WORLD I NEVER COULD SEE.
BEYOND THE WORDS ON THE PAGE.
WHAT COULD THERE BE?
WHAT COULD THERE BE?

I NEVER KNEW SHE WAS DEFIANT.

NOT A SILLY GIRL IN LOVE.
SHE IS PRIMAL. EXCITING. ALIVE.

THIS STORY WAS NOT MEANT FOR CHILDREN.

SO AM I NO LONGER A CHILD?
 Mohan and Catron 18

CAN I SEEK NEW ADVENTURES OUTSIDE AND

BEYOND THE WORDS ON THE PAGE

A WHOLE WORLD I LONG TO SEE
BEYOND THE WORDS ON THE PAGE.
WHAT COULD THERE BE?
WHAT COULD THERE BE?

I’VE HEARD STORIES FROM THE MOUTHS OF MOTHERS.

READ EVERYTHING I COULD.
BUT WHAT IF THE WORDS OF OTHERS CAN BE MISUNDERSTOOD?

THEY SAY THAT SHE WAS DOCILE.

GENTLE. WELL BEHAVED.
BUT I SEE A WARRIOR. A GODDESS, GRAND AND BRAVE.

WHAT ELSE REMAINS HIDDEN? WHAT ELSE MUST I KNOW?

BEYOND THE WORDS ON THE PAGE

A WHOLE WORLD I MUST SEE.
I WILL DISCOVER. I WILL ENGAGE.
I WANT TO SEE WHAT WILL BE.
I WANT TO SEE WHAT WILL BE!

As the song progresses, the stage has cleared until only ROOP is left. The STORYTELLERS make
a motion with their hands and the set changes to the interior of ROOP’s family home. ROOP’s
MOTHER is there cutting vegetables and she continues speaking without missing a beat.
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Scene 3

The home is small and made of bricks and mud with a thatched roof. There is an electrical box
on the outside of the house which is very rudimentary.

The set piece has three walls and we can see the whole interior of the house. There are no rooms
in the house and there is a small nook that functions as the kitchen. There are four small
mattresses rolled up neatly (one for Mom, one for Dad, and two for the daughters). There are
exactly four pictures up on a wall: one of ROOP’s MOTHER and her father from their wedding,
and one from the weddings of each daughter who has been married off. No other furniture exists
except for a 12 inch television set in the corner of the room propped up on boxes. ROOP’S
MOTHER continues to speak like ROOP has been there the whole time. She is cutting vegetables
and barely looks up from her task.

ROOP’S MOTHER
And you need to take the cows out tomorrow morning. Megha and I are going to the city.

The STORYTELLERS make another hand motion like they are releasing ROOP from a trance.
She looks around and sees that she is back at home. She is surprised and confused. ROOP’S
MOTHER is annoyed when she is not met with a response she throws a piece of a vegetable at
ROOP. This shakes ROOP back to reality.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Listen when I am speaking to you!

ROOP
I’m sorry.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Take the cows out.

ROOP
Take the cows out.

ROOP’S MOTHER
It is important for your sister to get something nice before Navratri.

ROOP
Of course.
 Mohan and Catron 20

ROOP’S MOTHER
She’s almost eighteen. Soon she’ll be a spinster.

ROOP
Ma, I saw something.

ROOP’S MOTHER
What do you mean “saw something”?

ROOP
Something new.

The STORYTELLERS appear against the back wall. They begin a low hum.

ROOP
Something different.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Always saying something ridiculous.

ROOP
I’m serious, Ma. I saw something.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Go drink some water. You’re probably overheated.

ROOP
I saw Sati.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Now you’re just being crazy.

ROOP
I saw her burn.

ROOP’S MOTHER falls silent. She doesn’t have a response to this. SATI appears in silhouette
and the room feels warmer. It feels mustier and heavier.

ROOP
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Her story doesn’t end with happily ever after. I’m not a child anymore. Why can’t I know the
real ending?

The humming from the STORYTELLERS grows louder and louder until it feels like a balloon that
has been overfilled. As the sound pops, ROOP’S MOTHER lashes out.

ROOP’S MOTHER
You want to know what happened to her? Fine. She didn’t listen to her parents.
The STORYTELLERS exit and the lights fade on SATI.

ROOP’S MOTHER
KING DAKSHA PRAYED FOR A CHILD.
HE GOT A DAUGHTER INSTEAD. OH WELL.
THE GODS KNOW WHAT YOU NEED.
HE WAS GIVEN A MOUTH TO FEED.

KING DAKSHA GAVE HER A NAME.

GAVE HER RICHES BEYOND COMPARE.
HE DID ALL A FATHER SHOULD DO.
IF CHILDREN ONLY KNEW.

OH WHAT A FATHER!
TO MOLD A CHILD FROM BIRTH.
OH WHAT A FATHER!
ONLY A PARENT CAN KNOW WHAT A PARENT IS WORTH.

LOOK AT THE SUITORS HE FOUND FOR HIS GIRL.

KINGS AND PRINCES GLORE!
BUT SATI WENT AND MARRIED A GOD
WITHOUT ANY THOUGHT OR REGARD.

SO HE TURNED AWAY FROM HIS CHILD.

A LESSON HAD TO BE TAUGHT.
BUT CHILDREN CANNOT FULLY SEE
ALL THEY DO IS DISAGREE.

OH WHAT A FATHER!
TO MOLD A CHILD FROM BIRTH.
OH WHAT A FATHER!
ONLY A PARENT CAN KNOW WHAT A PARENT IS WORTH.
 Mohan and Catron 22

THE PAIN OF A PARENT WHO KNOWS WHAT TO DO

BUT IS THWARTED FROM EVERY SIDE.
ALL WE WANT IS THE BEST FOR YOU.
TO BE YOUR EVER PRESENT GUIDE.

BUT THE WORLD IS FULL OF MONSTERS AND MEN.

DANGERS OF EVERY SHADE.
YOU MUST LISTEN AND HEED MY WORDS.
ALL I ASK IS THAT YOU BEHAVE!

OH WHAT A FATHER.
TO LOVE A CHILD LIKE HER.
OH WHAT A FATHER.
ALL HIS DREAMS DEFERRED.

CHAINED TO A DAUGHTER REBELLIOUS FROM BIRTH.

BUT ONLY A PARENT CAN KNOW
AND ONLY A PARENT CAN SHOW
ONLY A PARENT WILL EVER KNOW WHAT A PARENT IS WORTH!

ROOP’S MOTHER turns to a stunned ROOP.

ROOP’S MOTHER
There is the ending you wanted. Happy?

ROOP remains silent.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Take the cows out. Think of your sister for once.

ROOP’S MOTHER takes the vegetables out to the outdoor kitchen. ROOP is left alone. The
STORYTELLERS return to the stage with a new book in their hands. An old weathered book. It
looks well-loved.

ROOP
THESE WORDS COME FROM MY MOTHER.
I’D BELIEVE THEM IF I COULD.
BUT WHAT IF HER WORDS ARE MISUNDERSTOOD?
 Mohan and Catron 23

THE STORYTELLERS walk down the steps to ROOP and lift the book above their heads. They
drop the book and it lands in ROOP’s hands. ROOP looks around in surprise, but she cannot
perceive THE STORYTELLERS. ROOP looks at the cover of the book and opens it.

As she opens it, SATI appears. This time she is wearing something much simpler than all of her
other saris. It should be something close to what ROOP is wearing. SATI looks at herself for the
first time. She observes her arms, legs, torso, face, hair. All the parts of herself. It is as if she is in
control of her body for the first time. SATI transforms from girl back into goddess during this
sequence. The ensemble begins to sing as ROOP reads the first passage from the book. As the
passage is being read, the house disappears and ROOP is left on an empty stage.

ROOP
(reading from the book) Salutations to the Divine Mother. Salutations to her lotus feet.
Salutations to her hands, always open to bless us. Salutations to her eyes, always open to protect
us. Bless us, oh Mother, as we recount the tale of your first incarnation.

THE STORYTELLERS re-enter as SATI ascends to the dias and reclaims her place as a goddess.

ROOP
Sati.

A wind blows through. ROOP shudders and turns around. For the first time, she sees SATI and
SATI sees her. ROOP gasps.
 Mohan and Catron 24

Scene 4A

Lights up on a meadow. ROOP is sitting in the meadow with her book. She has not put it down
since she picked it up.

Enter AARTI, ROOP’s friend, humming the tune from the puppet show.

AARTI comes running in extremely excited. She comes in so hot that she knocks into ROOP and
the book flies out of her hand.

ROOP
Aarti! You’ve made me lose my place!

AARTI
Oh who cares about your place? I have news! Such news!

ROOP
Alright what is your news?

AARTI
I am going to become a bride!

A heavy silence. ROOP is contemplating how to respond.

AARTI
Roop? Are you in there?

ROOP remains silent. She’s not sure what to say or how she can say it. ROOP decides to go back
to her book instead.
AARTI
Isn’t it wonderful?

ROOP nods nonchalantly as AARTI comes and sits beside her.

ROOP
He’s rich, you know. He had a car. And he’s taking me to Delhi! Doesn’t it all sound so
glamorous?

ROOP continues to read her book. She looks like she wants to burrow into the book and be left
alone. AARTI becomes irritated.
 Mohan and Catron 25

AARTI
Can you take your nose out of that book for one second and listen to me?

AARTI tries to snatch the book from ROOP who resists. AARTI eventually takes the book from
her and looks at the cover.

AARTI
Sati and Shiva? Roop, you already know this story.

ROOP
(pointed) I like to read.

AARTI backs away from her, startled. ROOP realizes that she might have been too harsh.

ROOP
When is the wedding?

AARTI
Two weeks. When the full moon has passed.

ROOP sees that she has hurt her friend. She tries to lighten the mood.

ROOP
(imitating her mother) A good and auspicious day! If only my daughters were born on auspicious
days, maybe they would be married by now!

AARTI giggles at this. She moves closer to ROOP.

ROOP
Aren’t you worried?

AARTI
About what?

ROOP
Being someone’s wife.

AARTI
 Mohan and Catron 26

I already do all of those things! Well… not ALL of those things.

ROOP
(disgusted) Don’t be gross!!

AARTI
I want to be a wife! And a mother! It’s what we were put on this Earth to do.

ROOP
I don’t think that’s right.

AARTI
Well, Sati was so in love with Shiva that she meditated on Mount Kailash for years just to get
him to marry her. And they’re gods.

ROOP
(muttering under her breath) I guess so but-

AARTI
Did I tell you? We are going into town to buy my lehenga! And the jewellery! Roop, I have
never seen so much gold. You’ll come with us, right?

ROOP looks into AARTI’S expectant eyes. How could she possibly say no to that face?

ROOP
Of course.

AARTI
Chin up, Roop! There’s going to be a wedding!

AARTI floats off into the distance, leaving ROOP on stage with her book. On one side, AARTI is
seen holding a red lehenga. On the other side, ROOP is holding her book.

ROOP
YOU ALWAYS DREAMED OF MARRIAGE.
OF THE MOMENT YOU BECOME A BRIDE.
NOW YOUR WAIT IS OVER.
I GUESS I’LL BE THERE BY YOUR SIDE.

WILL IT BE MY TURN SOMEDAY?

 Mohan and Catron 27

AARTI
I WILL BE DECKED IN GOLD.
AND A MAN WILL MAKE ME HIS WIFE.
LIKE A MOVIE SCENE.
I’LL BE HIS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

I KNEW IT WOULD BE MY TURN SOMEDAY.

AARTI AND ROOP

SOMEDAY.

AARTI ROOP

SOMEDAY YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH A BOY

YOU’VE BARELY SEEN.
AND ISN’T THAT ROMANTIC?
WHEN YOUR HEART BEATS RAPID AND FRANTIC.
NOT A BOY. BUT A MAN WITH THE STRENGTH TO
WHISK YOU OFF INTO DREAMS.
AND HE WILL BE THE ONE FOR YOU.
ALWAYS STAYING TRUE.
SHE SEEMS SO SURE THAT THIS IS THE WAY.
SHE KNOWS WHAT’S IN STORE FOR HER LIFE.
SHE KNOWS JUST WHAT TO SAY.
HOW DO YOU MAKE THAT DECISION?
HOW CAN SHE BE SO SURE?

WE WERE GIRLS PLAYING MAKE BELIEVE ONE

ALWAYS STAYING TRUE DAY
BUT NOW SHE IS SO ASSURED.
I PRAYED IT WOULD BE MY TURN SOMEDAY!
WILL IT BE MY TURN?

SOMEDAY! WILL IT BE MY TURN SOMEDAY?

ROOP & AARTI

SOMEDAY! SOMEDAY!
 Mohan and Catron 28

The STORYTELLERS enter as ROOP and AARTI finish their song.

STORYTELLERS
SHE FOUND THE SOUL WHO WAS MEANT FOR HER.
SHE KNEW WHEN HE MET HER EYES.
NO QUESTION OR DOUBT. SHE KNEW THAT WITHOUT HIM
LIFE WOULD BE FULL OF GREY SKIES.

They make a subtle hand motion which transforms into wind and flutters the pages of the book.
The wind dies down and stops on a page. AARTI exits.

STORYTELLERS
Keep reading.

ROOP picks up the book and looks closely at it.

 Mohan and Catron 29

Scene 4b- Dream Ballet

Lights up on a stage set up like a meadow. ROOP is seated in the meadow with her book in her
hand. She is on the ground and is intently reading. As she is reading, she is twirling a dandelion
in her hand. She is intently reading a passage out loud.

ROOP
And there she sat, surrounded by flowers. Nothing could dim the sun in her eyes. Her hair shone
like burnished onyx and in that moment, she was a normal girl. Carefree and far away from
palace matters. She was a young girl enjoying a dandelion.

Lights shift and SATI onto the stage. She is wearing something sunny and bright. She appears to
be younger than the previous scene even though she is played by the same dancer. The part that
ROOP is reading is about SATI and SHIVA’s first meeting.

SATI comes in and begins looking around. She picks some dandelions and begins to blow on
them. She is having a wonderful time. Her dance is wonderfully vibrant and full of life and
buoyancy. When she is in a seated position with her dandelions, SATI and ROOP perceive each
other for the first time. SATI gestures for ROOP to keep reading from the book.

ROOP
Amongst the fallen petals of the dandelions, Sati looked towards the sky. Two birds flown by,
their wings grazing against each other. Offering comfort against the harsh sun. By her feet, there
ran a babbling brook where two fish leap out of the water and sailed off towards the sea. What a
pity she thought. To be alone on such a day.

ROOP and SATI are both stopped as the lights shift and the music changes again for SHIVA’S
ENTRANCE. He is an imposing man who directly contrasts the brightness that SATI exudes. His
skin is covered in basmam (ash) and he is bare chested with a loose fitting pant. He is completely
ethereal and grounded somehow at the same time. It is magical to witness and SATI and ROOP
are both entranced.

SATI walks up to him and looks at him closely. SHIVA is unaware of SATI’s presence at this time.
The exuberant SATI becomes shy and reserved. Her movements begin to flow like water. As she is
dancing her reverie, SHIVA notices her and goes towards her. He begins mimicking her
movements until they are in lockstep. They grow closer to each other until SHIVA catches SATI
by the waist and turns her around.
 Mohan and Catron 30

Everything freezes (a la Maria and Tony meeting for the first time). SATI looks at SHIVA
wide-eyed and for the first time, SHIVA’s facade cracks. He places a hand gently on her temple
and brushes a stray strand of hair away. SATI does not move. ROOP is completely entranced.
SATI hands SHIVA a dandelion. It withers in his hand but SATI cups her hands underneath the
flower to collect the petals. As their hands meet, the flower reforms again. SHIVA seems
surprised by this development.

ROOP
Life and death together again. Destruction feeding into creation. The divine mother and the
eternal father had finally found each other.

SATI and SHIVA get achingly close until their faces are so close, not even the thinnest piece of
paper would fall between them. Suddenly, SATI grows cold and limp and begins to crumple to the
floor. SHIVA catches her and tries to shake her awake but she is clearly dead. ROOP is horrified
by this development.

SHIVA lays SATI down in the meadow. On the spot where he sets her down, dandelions begin to
sprout up. SHIVA is utterly grief stricken and he moves from sadness into Lord of Death and is at
the cusp of beginning the Tandavam (Dance of Destruction). He gets up and grows larger and
larger and larger until-

STORYTELLERS
HOLD!

SHIVA comes back down to size and returns to his grief. He gently cradles SATI’s body and lifts
her off of the floor. SHIVA aimlessly takes SATI’s body up the dias. ROOP is frantically flipping
through the book.

STORYTELLERS
Wake up, Roop.

BLACKOUT.
 Mohan and Catron 31

Scene 5

Lights up on the stage that has transitioned back to the inside of ROOP’s house. All semblance of
the meadow has disappeared. It is just ROOP and the open book. She wakes up with a start as if
cold water has been thrown on her. The STORYTELLERS are nowhere to be found. ROOP
approaches the book gingerly. Slowly she picks it up and begins to flip to the end when her
mother bursts in.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Lazy girl! Still not ready for temple.

ROOP’S MOTHER is wearing a simple silk-cotton blend sari with delicate embroidery. It is by
far the nicest thing that she owns.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Go and get dressed! We cannot be late for the first night.

ROOP looks at her mother absently.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Of Navratri! Pull your head out of that book and pay attention or we will leave you behind.

As ROOP’S MOTHER faces away, ROOP rolls her eyes. She gets off the floor and picks up the
book.

ROOP
I have nothing to wear.

ROOP’S MOTHER
You can wear the lehenga Megha wore last year.

One of the STORYTELLERS brings out a screen and another one is holding a red lehenga. It is
bright, vibrant, young.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Megha needs to look like a proper lady.

ROOP goes behind the screen and the STORYTELLERS dress her. When she comes out from
behind the screen, she seems different. More grown up and mature. Her mother looks at her and
 Mohan and Catron 32

is shocked for a moment. Then she takes an eyeliner pencil from out of her bag and goes towards
ROOP.

ROOP’S MOTHER
We may get you married off yet.

ROOP squirms as her mother lines her waterline but she lets her finish. ROOP’s MOTHER looks
at her.

ROOP’S MOTHER
Good enough. Don’t forget your prayer book.

ROOP’S MOTHER exits. ROOP goes to a corner of the room to find her prayer book. There, she
finds a hand mirror. She looks at herself for a moment.

ROOP
YOU THERE. WHO ARE YOU?
HANDSOME AND STRANGE.
FACE REARRANGED INTO ONE OF A WOMAN’S.

YOU THERE WITH THE BRAID IN YOUR HAIR.

EYES LINED WITH KOHL
WHAT SECRETS DO YOU HOLD? A WOMAN.

ROOP’S MOTHER screams from off stage.

ROOP’S MOTHER
ROOP!!!!!

ROOP runs out.

Scene transition to the temple from scene one. Every woman from the town is there and they are
all dressed to the nines. Navratri is not a time you fuck around. Whatever walk of life or
whatever your social status is, you show up for Navratri.

All of the older women have daughters trailing behind them and are preening about like
peacocks in their often tacky saris and ever tackier jewelry. One of the women is the prospective
mother-in-law for Roop’s sister, Megha.

WOMAN 1
 Mohan and Catron 33

I MUST LOOK PIOUS.

WOMAN 2
I MUST LOOK CHASTE.

WOMAN 3
AND DRESSED WITH IMPECCABLE TASTE.

WOMAN 1, 2, 3
I MUST BE STILL. I MUST BE STERN. BUT HERE I CAN BE HEARD.
WOMAN 1
MY LIFE IS FULL OF MUNDANITY.

WOMAN 2
BUT HERE I SHINE FOR ALL TO SEE.

WOMAN 3
AMONG THESE WOMEN

WOMAN 1,2
AMONG THESE WOMEN

WOMAN 1, 2, 3
I CAN BE JUST A LITTLE FREE.

All the women do a “la la la” figure to the tune of the previous phrase. ROOP’S MOTHER
enters with her daughters. MEGHA is dressed similarly to her mother but she looks like a child
playing dress up. She is visibly uncomfortable because of her itchy blouse and stiff sari. ROOP’S
MOTHER spots MEGHA’s prospective mother-in-law, MRS. NARAYAN, in the crowd surrounded
by a gaggle of women. They are admiring her outfit.

WOMAN 1
Such a beautiful necklace!

WOMAN 2
And your sari! Is that real gold thread?

MRS. NARAYAN
It is. It is. My son spoils me now that he works in the US.
 Mohan and Catron 34

WOMAN 3
You are so lucky.

MRS. NARAYAN
Not lucky. Blessed.

I COME TO TEMPLE AT SIX AM.

BATHE IN COLD WATER AND THEN
I SAY MY PRAYERS WITH ALL MY HEART
BUT LADIES. THAT’S JUST THE START.

I HAND OUT ALMS AND MAKE THE TEA.

AND TIE MY WISHES ONTO A TREE.

WHEN YOU ARE PIOUS

ALL WOMEN
WHEN YOU ARE PIOUS
YOU CAN BE JUST A LITTLE FREE.

ROOP and her family enter. ROOP’S MOTHER waves to MRS. NARAYAN. The gaggle of women
wave back with the most fake smiles on their faces.

WOMAN 1
Isn’t that-

WOMAN 2
Poor dear-

WOMAN 3
Who dressed her?

MRS. NARAYAN
Her mother.

They burst out laughing. MEGHA turns a shade of deep plum. She looks as if she’s going to cry.
ROOP’S MOTHER looks crestfallen when she hears the comments. She softens when she sees
tears fall down her daughter’s face.

ROOP’S MOTHER
 Mohan and Catron 35

NEVER MIND, MY DEAR.

HER BOY IS DULL. HE’LL KEEP YOU AS A MAID.
NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR SUCH A BEAUTY.
SUCH A GEM. SO WELL BEHAVED.

ANOTHER WILL COME, MY DEAR.

LEAVE IT ALL IN MY HANDS.
WE WILL HAVE THE GREATEST WEDDING.
WE WILL THROW THE GRANDEST PARTY.
NOT JUST A MOTHER’S PROMISE BUT A DIVINE COMMAND.

YOU MUST BE PIOUS. YOU MUST BE CHASTE.

NO NEED TO WORRY. I WILL MAKE HASTE.
YOU DESERVE ALL THE PLEASURES OF THE WORLD, MY BEAUTIFUL GIRL.

ROOP’S MOTHER looks back at the rude women who have upset her daughter and starts to go
in the opposite direction. ROOP is standing there in her red lehenga when the STORYTELLERS
appear.
STORYTELLER 1
Such cruelty towards another woman.

STORYTELLER 2
And on such a holy day.

STORYTELLER 3
Evil must be vanquished.

STORYTELLERS
That is what She would want.

SATI’s silhouette appears at the back of the stage. ROOP steels her nerves and musters her
courage. She begins to march over to the women who insulted her sister but is interrupted by an
incoming AARTI. AARTI is already dressed like a married woman with a very flashy sari. She’s
decked in gold which makes her look like a dressed up doll.

AARTI
Roop!! Look look look!

She does a little twirl.

 Mohan and Catron 36

AARTI
Gifts from my groom. He said he wants me to look like a goddess.

ROOP
You shouldn’t say things like that here.

AARTI
Always so sour! There should be a smile on your face. Come and join the garba circle.

ROOP
You know that I can’t dance.

AARTI
Try. Please? You can’t say no to a bride.

ROOP
Fine.

AARTI squeals and pulls ROOP towards a circle that has formed. The interior circle is older
women and the outer circle is younger women. The STORYTELLERS now have drums called
dhols around their necks. They are not dancing. MRS. NARAYAN makes a rather loud comment
towards ROOP’s family. The STORYTELLERS begin to play a steady beat in patterns of fours.

MRS. NARAYAN
I hope every young, unwed girl joins the circle. They need Her blessings.

MEGHA shrinks further into herself. ROOP’S MOTHER pushes her into the circle and smiles at
MRS. NARAYAN who smirks back. The beat continues.

STORYTELLERS
THE FALL OF HER FEET.
THE SOUND OF HER ANKLETS.
CLEANSE THE EARTH. BRING ON REBIRTH.

WE DANCE TO REMEMBER.
WE DANCE TO AFFIRM.
CLEANSE THE EARTH. BRING REBIRTH.

WE PRAISE HER EVERY NIGHT

BANISHING DARKNESS. DEFENDING THE LIGHT.
 Mohan and Catron 37

DANCE FOR OUR MOTHER WHOSE BLESSINGS ARE HERE.

CLEANSE THE EARTH. BRING REBIRTH.

ROOP runs forward in the circle, bumping into some people in the process. She meets her sister
who is half heartedly repeating the steps. The other dancing freezes at this moment. SATI’s
silhouette becomes clearer. She comes out from her shadow and notices ROOP. She takes a
moment to watch. ROOP stops beside MEGHA.

ROOP
HEY THERE. HOW ARE YOU?
EYES TILTED DOWN.
WEARING A FROWN ON YOUR FAVORITE NIGHT.

COME NOW. DON’T WORRY.

WHO CARES WHAT THEY SAY?
DON’T LET THEM TAKE AWAY YOUR FAVORITE NIGHT.

WE ONLY GET TO SMILE ONCE A YEAR.

DANCE WITHOUT JUDGEMENT OR FEAR.

SO WHO CARES WHAT THEY SAY?

DON’T LET THEM TAKE OUR NIGHT AWAY.

The music changes from the steady four to a more fast paced and joyful pattern. ROOP and
MEGHA begin to dance together. As they dance, their steps become more complex and their joy
grows exponentially. ROOP feels like she is actually connecting with her sister. MEGHA is
glowing. SATI descends towards them and begins dancing alongside the two happy girls.
Everyone else has cleared the area now and it is just three young women dancing together.
ROOP begins to perceive SATI. SATI acknowledges ROOP but MEGHA doesn’t see any of this.

MEGHA’s stiff sari begins to come apart and she picks up the material and shoves it
haphazardly, exposing more skin than is deemed appropriate. ROOP has discarded her scarf to
the side and now her entire midriff is exposed. The music continues but it is now replaced by the
pernicious whispering of the women surrounding them.

WOMEN
LOOK AT HER. LOOK AT HER.
NO SHAME AT ALL.
I’D ASHAMED TO BE HER MOTHER.
 Mohan and Catron 38

LOOK AT HER. LOOK AT HER.

NO DECORUM.
NO DECENCY. NO COVER.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

ONCE A FARMER, ALWAYS A FARMER.
ONCE A FARMER, ALWAYS A FARMER.
ONCE A FARMER, ALWAYS A FARMER.

The beautiful spell that was cast on the two sisters is shattered by the cruelty. MEGHA looks
down at her appearance and she is immediately ashamed. She looks around to see all of the
women staring at her, pointing, whispering. She becomes increasingly distressed. She tries to exit
but the walls of women seem to be impenetrable. ROOP grows agitated throughout this
exchange. SATI grows agitated alongside her. Her agitation transforms into anger as she tries to
calm her sister and fails. Tries to protect her sister and fails. SATI slides towards ROOP and
begins to shed her joyful young persona. Her posture and body language shift until she has fully
transformed into an avenging angel. Over the following, ROOP’S MOTHER has no other option
and she moves towards MEGHA. She angrily covers her daughter and raises her and raises her
hand to slap MEGHA.

WOMEN
LOOK AT HER. LOOK AT HER.
WHO IS SURPRISED?
REACHING BEYOND HER STATURE.

LOOK AT HER. LOOK AT HER.

JUST A DISGUISE.
WHAT DOES SHE HAVE TO OFFER.

CAN WE BLAME HER? LOOK AT HER MOTHER.

ONCE A FARMER, ALWAYS A FARMER.
ONCE A FARMER, ALWAYS A FARMER.
ONCE A FARMER, ALWAYS A-

ROOP and SATI open their mouths and let out a divine sound (think Gom Jobar from Dune). It is
the sound of rage, frustration, desperation, and helplessness. The STORYTELLERS put down
their drums, mesmerized by the sound. All of the other attendants are absolutely terrified. The
rude women are cowering in a corner covering their ears. ROOP’S MOTHER puts her hand
down and looks at her youngest daughter. For a moment, she swears that her daughter looks like
 Mohan and Catron 39

a goddess. As the sound cuts off sharply, there is a deafening silence. Everyone in attendance is
stunned. And then the whisperings begin, but this time they are different. Hopefully instead of
hateful. They are almost reverent.

WOMAN 1
She has been touched.

WOMAN 2
Blessed.

WOMAN 3
It’s...a miracle.

MRS. NARAYAN
We must tell the priest! We must tell him of Her presence.

WOMAN 1
The girl has to stay here.

WOMAN 2
Yes! She must remain with the Goddess!

WOMAN 3
She has been claimed.

ROOP
No.

The whispering ceases. Everyone turns to look at her.

ROOP
I am going home.

MRS. NARAYAN
We must wait for the-

SATI turns to the STORYTELLERS.

ROOP AND STORYTELLERS

 Mohan and Catron 40

(firmly) My mother, my sister, and I are going home.

All of the women take a step back, terrified. MRS. NARAYAN moves out of the way. ROOP goes
towards MEGHA and takes her hand. She sees her mother, still shell shocked. ROOP takes her
sister and exits. ROOP’S MOTHER looks back at the other women and stumbles out. MRS.
NARAYAN turns to her gaggle of loyal followers.

MRS. NARAYAN
Find the priest and tell him about this mess. There is something off about that girl.

STORYTELLERS
(sternly) Her name is ROOP!

The whole temple shudders when ROOP’s name is uttered. The women shriek. Some are crying.
SATI smirks.

MRS. NARAYAN
Go! Now!

The women exit. MRS. NARAYAN is left alone on the stage with the STORYTELLERS.

STORYTELLER 1
None of us are without fault.

STORYTELLER 2
None of us are without blame.

STORYTELLER 3
Even King Daksha had to face his misdeed.

ALL STORYTELLERS
And so shall we all.

MRS. NARAYAN exits, leaving the STORYTELLERS and the avenging SATI in silhouette.