Mythological and Legendary Elements in the Plays of Girish Karnad
Keywords:
Mythology, Legend, Indian Drama, Girish Karnad, Modern TheatreAbstract
This study examines the integration of mythological and legendary elements in the plays of Girish Karnad, focusing on how traditional narratives are reinterpreted within a modern dramatic framework. Karnad’s works draw extensively from Indian epics, folklore, and classical myths, transforming them into powerful tools for exploring contemporary concerns such as identity, gender roles, morality, and existential conflict. Plays such as Hayavadana, Nagamandala, and Yayati illustrate his unique dramaturgical approach, where myth is not merely retold but reshaped to reflect present-day realities. The study adopts a qualitative analytical method to evaluate the symbolic, structural, and thematic significance of these elements. It argues that Karnad’s use of mythology bridges the past and present, offering critical insights into human nature and societal dynamics while enriching the landscape of modern Indian theatre.
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