Girish Karnad’s Hayavadana is an innovative experiment in modern theatre, challenging the notion that traditional forms are precious artifacts. Karnad demonstrates that these forms can be adapted to address modern themes, specifically targeting an urban audience. This paper aims to showcase how Karnad utilizes an ancient story to delve into the concept of human identity in a world filled with complicated relationships and the pursuit of perfection. Hayavadana, winner of the 1971 Natya Sangh Best Play Award, provides a platform for expressing Indian…show more content…
Karnad’s Padmini is denied the opportunity to achieve the same level of greatness as Kalidasa’s Shakuntala. Shakuntala embodies not only a woman’s self-respect but also exemplifies the principle of motherhood through her endurance. Hayavadana contains multiple socially significant messages and entices us to view it as a dynamic and independent entity.
The critics have attempted to deal with the issue of ‘incompleteness’ portrayed by the conflicting situation and characters in the play. Padmini’s unpredictable and unstable consciousness desires a flawless man. However, Hayavadana forces us to confront a ‘Spirited’ and ’embodied’ mind in Padmini, highlighting the concepts of female subjectivity as represented by her. Padmini is a rebellious sexual force and a woman who seeks to establish an identity beyond societal expectations.
In Act II of Hayavadana, the issue of ‘To whom does Padmini belong?’ could have been resolved. Padmini’s arrival brings about an awareness in men of the pain of love. The interchanged heads cause several complications, as Padmini, being legally married, should be with Devadatta since the fatherhood of her child depends on her choice of husband. The days of joy and contentment with Kapila must come to a conclusion.
