3 Review(s)

This book brings readers Three Modern Indian Plays, translated into English, demonstrating contemporary drama on the Indian stage. Summary of the Book Tughlaq by Girish Karnad This play tells the story of an idealist 14th-century Sultan of Delhi, Muhammad bin Tughluq. It is considered to be an allegory on the Nehru era and contains Karnad’s thoughts on the effects of idealism. Evam Indrajit by Badal Sircar This play questions one’s existence and shows how one must strive to find the truth in one’s life. It delves into the thoughts and emotions felt by the educated urban middle class. Silence! The Court is in Session by Vijay Tendulkar A group of teaches decide to stage a play in a village. When one of the actors fails to show up, a stagehand is asked to replace him. The others stage a rehearsal to help the man understand the procedures of the court, and one of the cast is charged with infanticide as part of the play. However, the scene turns surreal as the cast makes a startling discovery about the accused member. About the Authors Girish Karnad is an Indian writer, playwright, screenwriter, actor and movie director known for his work in the Kannada language. He was presented the 1998 Jnanpith Award, the highest literary honour conferred in India. Karnad is known for his plays which incorporate history and mythology to study contemporary issues. Vijay Tendulkar was an Indian playwright, screenwriter, literary essayist, social commentator and political journalist known for his work in the Marathi language. He is known for Ghashiram Kotwal and Sakharam Binder. Badal Sircar was an Indian dramatist and theatre director. He is remembered for his anti-establishment plays during the Naxalite movement in the 1970s. He is also known for Basi Khabar and Saari Raat. He was a prominent figure in the Bengali theatre scene.