Bringing to life an ancient tale in a professional dance show with seven 2ft tall puppets is no easy task – but then try doing it in just 20 days.

Dance teacher Sujata Banerjee has taken on this very challenge, producing an innovative retelling of a classical Sanskrit story, Draupadi – The Fire Born Princess.

“Dance is a very common way to tell a story, but not through puppetry,” explains Indian-born Sujata, 57, who choreographed and directed the show.

The hand-made puppets, which can require two or even three trained performers to operate, were created especially for the Harrow-based Sujata Banerjee Dance Company by master craftswoman Lyndie Wright MBE.

They help interpret Draupadi’s tale, which is taken from the epic poem Mahabharata, who was born from a fire after her father asked the Gods for a son.

Sujata says: “These puppets are very different to the Indian puppets we see. Indian puppetry, as far as I know, is like a folk tale or entertainment but here the puppet industry is more sophisticated and a theatre art form.”

The mother-of-one explains that due to a misunderstanding, Draupadi is shared as the wife of five brothers, and is eventually gambled away by one of her husbands. She vows revenge and sparks a war, before realising she must put an end to the fighting.

“I was always fascinated with this character Draupadi, she is so fiery, she had five husbands and all her husbands were totally charmed by her,” says the choreographer.

“She was very wise. The message I wanted in this play was to stop killing, believe in forgiveness, have mercy and redemption. She caused the war, but she also stopped the war. She has this realisation that you have to stop the fighting.”

Accompanying the puppetry is an ancient form of Indian dance, Kathak that Sujata teaches and which is used to tell the princess’ tale through the dancer’s expressive movements and miming.

“It totally integrates the puppetry with the dance and theatre. It has been quite challenging because you have to show each art form at its best,” continues Sujata, who moved to the UK in 1982 after beginning her career in her home country.

Preparing the performance, written by commissioned playwright Nona Shepphard, has been no easy task as Sujata also teaches during the week but she also admits it has also been a rewarding experience.

The Dance Company’s retelling of this time-worn tale promises to be a magical, colourful infusion of dance, story telling and music – sure to entertain audiences throughout its forthcoming tour.

Sujata explains how using the puppets helps create a multi-layered performance. She says: “Initially I thought Draupadi is a puppet manipulated by her five husbands, but it is the other way around. It is a story which is very close to my heart.”

Draupadi – The Fire-Born Princess begins its debut tour at Patidar House, London Road, Wembley on Saturday, February 7, at 7pm. Details: 020 8902 1974, wegottickets.com/sujatabanerjee