This selection of six contemporary plays explores a wide range of issues familial, social, mythological, political with women centre stage. The plays are distinct from each other in structure, theme and style, but are bound together by a common thread the position and role of women in family, social and political systems. Issues such as sexual abuse, in-law relationships, the trauma of ageing, the struggle for womens empowerment, love and passion, desire and revenge, and dynastic politics are discussed through the varying perspectives of a number of characters, bringing an immediacy and urgency to the subjects under consideration.
What is significant about the plays is that they highlight the manipulation of the English language resulting with the introduction of an Indian syntax. Multilingualism is used to offset the so-called westernisation that has been the by-product of the systematic globalisation of third world countries. While the plays are meant to be staged, they are also very reader-friendly and will be entertaining as well as educative for the general reader.
Preface and Acknowledgements -- Introduction by Shashi Deshpande -- Mangalam -- Inner Laws -- Keats Was A Tuber -- Alipha -- Thus Spake Shoorpanakha, So Said Shakuni -- Samara's Song -- About the Author.
This selection of six contemporary plays explores familial, social, mythological and political issues with women centre stage. The plays are distinct from each other in structure, theme and style, but revolve around the position and role of women in family, social and political systems.
Poile Sengupta is a playwright and a writer for children. She has been lecturer at the University of Delhi, India and a columnist for a magazine and two national newspapers.
US? 2010 Poile Sengupta
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