Content Warning: The guide discusses themes and portrayals common in classical Sanskrit drama that may be offensive to contemporary audiences, such as gendered descriptions and ableist humor.

The actor-manager recites a benediction before the start of the performance, blessing the play, the performers, and the audience. He asks Lord Siva to protect everyone through his “eight palpable embodiments” (5), among them the air, the earth, the ritual fire, and the priest who chants mantras. He calls out to an actress to step onto the stage and sing a melodious song to please the discerning audience. The actress sings a song praising nature.

The actor-manager says they have a wonderful entertainment for the discerning audience, but he has forgotten its name. The actress reminds him it is the romance, The Recognition of Sakuntala, which he had announced earlier. Thanking her for the reminder, the manager says he can see King Dusyanta rush into a forest, seeking deer for his hunt.

Armed with a bow and arrow, Dusyanta enters the stage on a chariot. Dusyanta tells his charioteer that though the deer seemed so close, the creature has disappeared from his view.