Patriarchy and the Paradoxical State of Men A Study of the Plays of Mahesh Dattani

Abstract

newline Mahesh Dattani is one of the pioneer dramatists who responded to the problems of newlinesexuality and class consciousness on the canvass of Indian theatre. He examined various facets of newlinesubjugation and marginalization rampant in Indian society. His plays have earned the reputation newlineof being a fresh arrival in the world of Indian writing in English Drama. They are resplendent with newlinehuman sentiments like passion, pathos, conflicts in emotion, aggression, sensuality, and jealousy. newlineThese sentiments immediately strike the attention of the audience and do not let them divert from newlinethe plot even for a minute. Dattani s theatrical craft has been highly acknowledged for its fine newlinefabric of social consciousness and philosophical undertone. He has a unique ability to mould his newlinesubjects in such a manner that it appeals to the topical as well as to the traditional. A cross-section newlineanalysis of his plays compels the reader to compare him with Henrik Ibsen and G.B. Shaw. Like newlineIbsen he explored the latent emotions of human consciousness that create new issues in the present newlineand like Shaw he could contrast the savagery of personal thoughts which is in sharp contrast with newlinethe hypocrisy of our public morality. He deftly outlines the issues raised by patriarchal constructs newlinewhich require the purging of the ghosts of the past.