Dalit Writing: Drama

Summary

In this session, the focus is on Module 5, exploring two significant plays in the realm of Dalit writing: 'Dream Hunt' by A. Shanta Kumar and 'Touch' by K.A. Gunasekaran. 'Dream Hunt' delves into the life of a Theyyam performer in Kerala, highlighting the stark contrast between their divine role and the harsh realities of poverty and caste discrimination. 'Touch' critiques the caste system through a narrative that centers on untouchability and the urgent need for unity. Both plays serve as powerful vehicles for social commentary and the expression of Dalit culture and struggles.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The script discusses Module 5, focusing on two plays: 'Dream Hunt' by A. Shanta Kumar and 'Touch' by K. A. Gunashekaran, both significant in the context of Dalit writing and theater.
• 📚 A. Shanta Kumar is a noted playwright from Kerala, known for his politically charged works that often bring to light societal truths and issues, including his award-winning play.
• 🌟 'Dream Hunt' is set against the backdrop of 'Tayam', a cultural and ritual art form from northern Kerala, reflecting the life and struggles of a performer within this art form.
• 🏆 K. A. Gunashekaran is recognized as a poet, playwright, and Dalit folklorist, who has made significant contributions to Dalit theater and the anti-caste movement through his works.
• 🎨 Kerala's theater tradition is rich and diverse, ranging from classical forms like Kathakali to modern experimental theaters, with a history of socio-political engagement.
• 🔍 The script highlights the evolution of theater in Kerala, from its roots in ritual worship to the influence of modern ideologies and the emergence of Dalit theater as a platform for expression and resistance.
• 🙌 'Dream Hunt' explores the paradoxical life of a Theyyam performer, who experiences divinity and respect during performances but faces poverty and marginalization in reality.
• 🤲 'Touch' by Gunashekaran uses the metaphor of a mud pot to symbolize untouchability, revealing the deep-seated prejudices and the caste system's impact on social interactions.
• 🌱 The script emphasizes the role of theater as a medium for the oppressed to voice their experiences, struggles, and the desire for a casteless society.
• 📖 Both plays are prescribed for study to understand the depth of Dalit theater, its themes, and the powerful messages it conveys about social justice and equality.
• 💬 The session invites viewers to engage with the material, ask questions, and participate in discussions about the plays and their significance in contemporary theater.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the play 'Dream Hunt' by A. Shanta Kumar?

The main theme of 'Dream Hunt' is the conflict between the dream world and reality of a Theyyam performer, depicting the paradoxes and struggles of a Dalit performer's life.

What is the significance of Theyyam in the cultural context of Kerala?

Theyyam is a popular cultural and ritual art form in the northern part of Kerala, deeply rooted in the indigenous history and culture of the region, often associated with the rebirth of heroes and divine spirits.

What is the historical background of theater in Kerala?

Theater in Kerala has a rich tradition, ranging from classical forms like Kathakali and Kudiata to the socio-political theater of KPSC and modern experimental theaters. It has evolved through various phases, including the theater of roots and the influence of socio-cultural movements.

Who is A. Shanta Kumar and what is his contribution to theater?

A. Shanta Kumar is a playwright from Kerala known for his belief in the power of theater as a platform for truth and politics. He has several notable works and was awarded the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award for Drama in 2010.

What is the role of theater in expressing the experiences of the oppressed and marginalized in society?

Theater serves as a powerful medium for the oppressed and marginalized to voice their experiences, struggles, and aspirations, challenging social norms and advocating for change.

What is the significance of the mud pot in the play 'Touch' by K.A. Gunashekaran?

The mud pot in 'Touch' symbolizes untouchability, as the characters' reluctance to touch it highlights the deep-seated caste prejudices in society.

What is the message conveyed by the farmer's story in the play 'Touch'?

The farmer's story in 'Touch' underscores the harsh reality of the caste system, where a person would rather die than be saved by someone from a lower caste, revealing the ingrained discrimination and division in society.

What is the central message of the play 'Touch'?

The central message of 'Touch' is a plea for unity and the eradication of the caste system, urging the audience to recognize the unfairness of social evils like untouchability.

Who is K.A. Gunashekaran and what is his contribution to Dalit theater?

K.A. Gunashekaran is a poet, playwright, and Dalit folklorist who has been instrumental in promoting Dalit theater in Tamil Nadu. His works, such as 'Touch', are known for their strong anti-caste themes and advocacy for social justice.

What is the historical context of Tamil theater and its evolution?

Tamil theater has its roots in ancient rituals and performances, evolving through the influence of Western education and modernization. It has seen various phases, including the rise of street theater and the theater of the oppressed, with playwrights like K.A. Gunashekaran making significant contributions.

How does the play 'Dream Hunt' reflect the reality of a Dalit performer's life?

In 'Dream Hunt', the reality of a Dalit performer's life is depicted through the character's experiences of poverty, marginalization, and the transformative power of becoming divine during performances, highlighting the stark contrast between their sacred and secular existence.