As an English literature student who frequently dives into the world of literature, I have come across countless plays as a part of my curriculum. It has been a journey of words, stories, expressions, and infinite ideas. There have been a plethora of plays I read in this literary journey, each unique in its own way. But there are always some that leave an indelible mark on my heart. So, in this article, I’d like to share the three favorite plays that have occupied a special place in my life. These aren’t just worth reading, but also worth watching live!
1. “WAITING FOR GODOT” by Samuel Beckett
A modernist play, a masterpiece of its kind, it serves as an existential exploration of the human condition. What is it to be a human? The play follows two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, as they wait for someone named Godot. Why are they waiting for Godot? No one knows. Will Godot ever arrive? No one can tell that. There is nothing but vacuum. The play is all about the fruitlessness of waiting. Sometimes, the two aren’t sure what they are waiting for. They are not sure if Godot will come but they continue to wait. On the surface, the play might seem absurd, but it is the deeper understanding that made me fall in love with it. The play hints at the meaninglessness of life, and the vanity of our actions. Through instances of humor, like the characters repeating the same dialogues again and again or by mocking themselves through the play, the playwright invokes contemplation and self-reflection of the reader. We all wait for Godot. But will Godot ever arrive?
2. “TARA” by Mahesh Dattani
A contemporary Indian play that is set against the backdrop of a traditional and educated Indian family. The plot of the play revolves around conjoined twins, a girl Tara, and a boy Chandan. They are born with three legs and need to undergo surgery for separation. How does the family deal with the situation? What lingers in the minds of the twins after their separation? are the questions addressed by the play. It delves into complex themes of disability, gender, and societal norms. The complex characters and their internal struggles make this play an exploration of the human psyche. It further dives into the intricacies of androgyny and identity. Critic B.R. Mangalam explains this aspect further by understanding Dattani’s choice of the characters as being conjoined twins as a deliberate metaphor to portray the co-existence of different gender characteristics in an individual, thus explaining androgyny. The play connects one with multiple facets – it acts as a reflection of the challenges of modern Indian families, including the dynamics around gender, marriage and patriarchy.
3. “TWELFTH NIGHT” by William Shakespeare
“If music be the food of love, play on”
William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
Starting with this iconic phrase, the play encapsulates the intoxicating power of love. Set in the coast of Illyria along the shores of the Adriatic Sea and in the context of the carnivalesque set-up of a feast, it stands as one of the most beautiful plays I’ve ever come across. The playwright remarkably invokes both pathos and laughter. In his essay “Twelfth Night: The Limits of Festivity”, literary critic Thad Jenkins Logan calls the landscape of the play as “a world given to pleasure, intoxication and freedom.” The plot is a delightful blend of mistaken identities. With women disguising as men and men disguising as women, Shakespeare intelligently uses cross-dressing as a tool to explore the construction of gender identities. Being one of Shakespeare’s most appreciated plays, it never fails to enchant readers and audiences worldwide. With its poetic and lyrical style, the play is a testament to Shakespeare’s ingenuity.
These plays have not only enriched my love for literature but have also left a lasting impact on me. Each of these plays offers a unique experience and perspective, but the one thing that holds true for each of these is – their remarkable ability to transport me to a different world altogether, all by the means of introspection. These plays have helped me challenge my existing notions and perceptions. While Waiting for Godot throws light on the absurdity of our lives, Tara has let me take on a profound exploration of human psyche and Twelfth Night helps understand the human tendency to seek purpose and connection in everything and everywhere. Thus, I can certainly say that these plays have the true power to open up a world of newer ideas and emotions. So, if you are someone who wants to delve into the world of theatre, I highly recommend reading these plays. And if you ever get a chance, do watch these live on stage! The magic of theatre awaits to win your hearts!