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Overview
Synopsis
In Ancient Ujjayinī, the Brahmin Chārudatta has lived virtuously and honorably. However, because of his generosity, he now finds himself in poverty--rather than a gold toy cart, his son can only have a little clay cart to play with. But even though he is poor, Chārudatta is still of the highest caste and is treated with respect by almost everyone in their city. The one exception is the king’s brother-in-law, Sansthānaka--a villainous lecher in love with the lovely courtesan Vasantasenā, who will do anything to have her. Vasantasenā is in love with Chārudatta (as he is with her), creating a complicated love triangle of caste, honor, jealousy, and devotion.
Little Clay Cart, written in the fifth century, is one of the most popular Sanskrit dramas from the period. Unlike many Sanskrit dramas, Little Clay Cart is not pulled from mythology but presents everyday people making their way through life and love. It is often translated and regularly performed both in Indian theatre as well as Western theatre, cementing its universal appeal for audiences around the world.
Show Information
- Book
- Shudraka
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 10
- Genres
- Drama, Romance
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Ujjayinī, Ancient India
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Child, Mature Adult, Elderly, Late Teen Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress