Death and the Maiden

Death and the Maiden is a powerful political drama by Chilean playwright Ariel Dorfman, examining the lasting effects of political violence and the difficult pursuit of justice in a society emerging from dictatorship.

The story centres on Paulina Salas, a former political prisoner who believes that a stranger brought home by her husband is the man who tortured her years earlier. Her husband, Gerardo, a lawyer recently appointed to a national human rights commission, struggles to balance his commitment to the rule of law with his wife's demand for accountability.

As Paulina takes matters into her own hands and stages a personal trial, the characters confront unsettling questions about memory, evidence, truth and revenge. The play keeps audiences questioning whether justice is being served or whether trauma is driving an irreversible act of vengeance.

Cast:

• Ira Dubey

• Vivek Gomber

• Neil Bhoopalam

Creative Team:

• Playwright: Ariel Dorfman

• Director: Bruce Guthrie

• Designer: Simon Kenny

• Lighting Designers: Arghya Lahiri and Yael Crishna

• Sound Designer: Rahul Nadkarni

• Composer: Andrew T. Mackay

• Movement Director: Emilia Cadenasso

• Costume Designer: Pallavi Patel

• Vocal Coach: Shernaz Patel

Produced by NCPA and co-produced by Lila Naatak Co., this production brings a celebrated modern political thriller to the stage, inviting audiences to reflect on human rights, accountability and the complicated relationship between justice and memory.

Performance schedule: The official NCPA calendar lists performances from 28 October 2026, with additional shows through 31 October. Check the official event page for individual show timings and availability.