Stage of Silence: The Marginalisation of Women in the Plays of Vijay Tendulkar

Humanities

Abstract Vijay Tendulkar’s theatre stands as a bold interrogation of power, morality, and social norms in post-independence India. One of the most striking aspects of his dramaturgy is the portrayal of women who are repeatedly marginalised, silenced, and dehumanised within deeply entrenched patriarchal systems. In plays such as Silence! The Court is in Session, Kamala, and Sakharam Binder, Tendulkar presents female characters who are confined by societal expectations and exploited by men who wield authority in both private and public spheres. These plays expose the gendered double standards that allow men to dictate the fate of women while hiding behind the facades of respectability and culture. Characters like Leela Benare and Kamala are reduced to symbols of dishonour or curiosity, judged not for their inner lives but for their roles in a man’s world. Yet, Tendulkar does not merely show them as victims—he also brings out their emotional strength, their moments of resistance, and the quiet tragedy of their erasure. This study examines how Tendulkar uses language, silence, and character psychology to reveal the deep-rooted marginalisation of women in Indian society. It also interrogates the discomfort his plays evoke—whether his narratives offer genuine critique or unintentionally perpetuate the gaze that objectifies. His male characters often wield power insidiously, sometimes under the garb of love, duty, or social reform. Meanwhile, the women’s stories remain unspoken or buried under layers of performance, shame, or denial. Ultimately, Tendulkar’s works compel audiences to reflect on the cost of silence, the limits of empathy, and the urgent need for a space where women’s voices are not just heard but believed and respected. His plays continue to be relevant, provoking important discussions about gender, justice, and representation in Indian literature and theatre.

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