Asia Society Presents SHAKUNTALA AWAITS

“A dramatic potpourri of sensibilities that traverse continents and centuries.” — The Hindu

“A tale of love and longing from the Mahabharata gets a modern Mumbai twist.” — Mid-Day

“Ganguly brings Shakuntala into the 21st century with wit, warmth, and wisdom.” — Times of India

Saturday, November 1, 2025

6:30–8:00 PM

Asia Society | 725 Park Avenue, New York, NY

Tickets at AsiaSociety.org

New York, NY – October 15, 2025 — A poignant tale of love, longing, and cultural identity returns to New York as the Asia Society presents SHAKUNTALA AWAITS: A Drama and Conversation with Isheeta Ganguly, a cross-cultural theatrical experience reimagining one of India’s most enduring heroines through a modern lens. Written and directed by acclaimed fusion artist Isheeta Ganguly, the performance stars Sohina Sidhu, Arjun Gupta, and Sasha Sen, and will be performed Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Asia Society (725 Park Avenue, New York, NY). Tickets: $20 Non-Members | $15 Members | Students/Seniors $5 off with code SENSTU Click here to buy tickets

Described by The Hindu as “a dramatic potpourri of sensibilities that traverse continents and centuries” and by Mid-Day as “a tale of love and longing from the Mahabharata with a modern Mumbai twist,” Shakuntala Awaits blends ancient mythology with contemporary diaspora narratives in a witty, powerful, and heartfelt performance.

Inspired by a timeless love story from the Mahabharata, SHAKUNTALA AWAITS reimagines its namesake heroine in modern-day Mumbai and New York, interweaving themes of feminism, family, and the search for belonging. At once heart-wrenching and humorous, the piece moves fluidly between the mythic past and the personal present, inviting audiences to consider the evolving role of women across borders and generations.

“SHAKUNTALA AWAITS reminds us that in uncertain times amidst relentless battles, we yearn to escape with a proverbial ‘magic ring’,” says creator Isheeta Ganguly. “It is only then that we realize that the real victories lie within…”

Originally staged as a digital production at HERE Arts Center during the pandemic to critical acclaim, the piece has since toured India with successful runs at NCPA Mumbai, returning to New York for one night in April and more. With acclaim from The Hindu, Times of India, Indian Express, and Mid-Day, Shakuntala Awaits has emerged as a globally resonant theatrical work.

Following the performance, there will be a Q&A with playwright and director Isheeta Ganguly, offering insight into her creative process and the work’s evolution from digital beginnings to international acclaim.

Isheeta Ganguly is a writer, director, and vocalist known for blending South Asian mythology with modern storytelling. Her trilogy of plays—Three Women, Sundays with Chitra and Chaitali, and Shakuntala Awaits—has garnered wide acclaim for their lyrical writing and layered portrayals of the Indian diaspora experience.

Arjun Gupta is a SAG Award–nominated actor best known for his roles in The Magicians (Syfy) and Nurse Jackie (Showtime). His recent creative ventures include Fontainhas and Fonty’s, immersive spaces merging food, design, and storytelling, and Beauceron Studios, dedicated to cross-medium narratives of identity and connection.

Sohina Sidhu is an actor and educator with credits including Evil (CBS/Paramount+), Little Voice (Apple TV+), and Prodigal Son (FX). A graduate of Yale School of Drama, she currently serves on faculty at Yale University, Randolph College, and CineStudio in Paris.

Sasha Sen is an actor whose screen credits include Extrapolations (Apple TV+), The Life List (Netflix), Bull (CBS), and the upcoming Relay directed by David Mackenzie. Her stage work spans classical and contemporary repertoire, reflecting her diverse training at The Barrow Group, Berg Studios, and Adishakti.

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