The book attempts to study the plays of Girish Karnad in the contemporary context.

This play by one of India's foremost playwrights and actors is based on a story from the Mahabharata which tellingly illuminates universal themes - alienation, loneliness, love, family, hatred - through the daily lives and concerns of a whole community of individuals.

A thoughgoing critical study of the texts and performances of the plays by Girish Karnad. Exiting and jargon-free, it probes Karnad's handling of characters, situations, language, myths, history, and various other library tropes and stage props as itegral aspects of his manifestly inclusive dramaturgy. The thirty-two contrbutors to this definitive volume belong to the top shelf of drama/theatre critics from India and abroad.

Yayati, Girish Karnard's first play, was written in 1960 and won the Mysore State Award in 1962. It is based on an episode in the Mahabharata, where Yayati, one of the ancestors of the Pandavas, is given the curse of premature old age by his father-in-law, Shukracharya, who is incensed by Yayati's infidelity. Yayati could redeem this curse only if someone was willing to exchange his youth with him. It is his son, Pooru, who finally offers to do this for his father. The play examines the moment of crisis that Pooru's decision sparks, and the dilemma it presents for Yayati, Pooru, and Pooru's young wife.

The present study aims to explore the relationships between nation and its myth to address larger issues of national, international and universal interests in the dramatic mechanism of Girish Karnad. Dramatics, in the hands of Karnad, uses myth to serve its real purpose of educating and entertaining the masses. As far the importance of myth for a nation is concerned, myth has been establishing its importance in every era and in every society. It frames a major part of national heritage. It constantly reminds us who we are, where we have come from and what future we are leading to. It sounds cautionary call about making wrong decisions with the help of mythological examples. It teaches the lessons and help people avoid a similar fate. The present study aims an investigation of searching role of myth in a scenario which witnesses swift changes in priorities. World today is obsessed with endless conflicts. Every nation brims with national pride. The evil of casteism, regionalism, religious fundamentalism, patriarchy and racism have placed many seen and unseen barricades in the way of national safety and integration. Myth, in such a scenario, comes forward to guide the masses with the wisdom and experiences of ages. It not only acts as a manifesto for the present social order but works as a demonstration pattern of ethical values, sociological order, and miraculous conviction also so that traditional values can be strengthened to the extent that these can accommodate the changing form of long-established concept of morality. Myth finds expression through various forms of art. Literature is one such form that makes us see beyond obvious and what the front door shows. It takes man to discover, inquire and construct new knowledge. Literature is a means to leap into the past through myth, history and legends. Literature, especially drama is such a form of art that reflects and expresses the inner sections of human mind in a better way. It depicts man, family, community, nation and world with all the possible tinges of truth. It not only affirms faith but can challenge long-held beliefs as well. It has been a strong medium to convey deeper meanings of life in its true and vivid colours.

A Yakshagana folk theatre piece, combining music, dance and drama. Two young heroes, Devadatta, a man of the intellect, and Kapila, a man of the body, are both attracted to Padmini, who marries Devadatta. When the rivalry threatens their friendship each man commits suicide by cutting off his own head. Through the intervention of the goddess Kali the men are brought back to life but Padmini accidently mixes the heads up, attaching them to the wrong bodies. A subplot fleshes out the theme of the search for completeness: Hayavadana wants to lose his horse's head and become fully human.