
Satish Alekar has written, acted in, directed, and produced some of the most influential and progressive plays of post-Independence India, and is part of the trinity, with 'Vijay Tendulkar' and 'Mahesh Elkunchwar', that has shaped modern Marathi theatre.Alekar is widely recognized for his ability to portray the many deceptions and fallacies of Indian society, and his plays depict with wit and sensitivity, a world unable to come to terms with modernity and stifled by tradition. The six plays-'The Dread Departure' (Mahanirvan), 'Deluge' (Mahapoor), 'The Terrorist' (Atirekee), 'Dynasts' (Pidhijat), 'Begum Barve', and 'Mickey and the Memsahib' (Mickey ani Memsahib) -are divided thematically into two sections and both sections include introductions by noted theatre critic, Samik Bandyopadhyay. The book also includes an insightful interview of Alekar by Bandyopadhyay, notes on the production histories of the included plays, and a special section containing photographs of the performances of these plays.
This collection examines the friction between traditional Indian societal structures and the encroaching demands of modernity through the lens of six distinct dramatic works. Satish Alekar utilizes a blend of dark humor, satire, and surrealism to expose the hypocrisies inherent in post-Independence Indian life. The plays function as a critique of institutional and domestic stagnation, often placing characters in absurd situations that force them to confront their own fallacies. Through a non-linear and experimental narrative framework, Alekar challenges the audience to reconcile the past with an evolving, often uncomfortable, present.
Discussion often centers on Alekar's pivotal role in the trinity of modern Marathi theatre alongside Vijay Tendulkar and Mahesh Elkunchwar. Readers frequently highlight the playwright's ability to balance biting wit with profound sensitivity when addressing complex social issues. Critics often point to the effectiveness of his atmospheric world-building, which captures the specific anxieties of a society in transition. The inclusion of production notes and photographs provides a comprehensive view of how these scripts translate into performance, making the collection a significant resource for students of theatre history.
Page Count:
334
Publication Date:
2011-03-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
019806988X
ISBN-13:
9780198069881
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