Page 65 - 2019

Ph.D
(Social Sciences & Humanities)
THEMATIC CONCERNS IN SATISH ALEKAR’S SELECT PLAYS

Ph.D. Scholar : Patel Unnatkumar Bhikhabhai
Research Supervisor : Dr. Manish A. Vyas

Regi. No.: 12146071002
Abstract :
Born on 30th January, 1949, Padmashree award recipient and a Biochemist by
qualification, Satish Alekar has been practicing theatre in Maharashtra since 1970. He
forms a trinity with Vikay Tendulkar and Mahesh Elkunchwar and they together have
revolutionized Marathi theatre through their experimental plays to a greater extent. Many
of his plays have been translated, produced and published in several Indian regional
languages like Hindi, Tamil, Dogri, Kannada, Gujarathi, Rajasthani, Punjabi, and Konkni.
Basically written in Marathi, as many as six plays of his have been translated into English.
These are: Mickey ani Memsahib (Mickey and Memsahib-1973), Mahanirvan (Dread
Departure-1974), Mahapoor (Deluge-1975), Begum Barve (1979), Atirekee (The Terrorist-
1990) and Pidhijat (Dynasts-2003). Further, he also has produced several one act plays in
Marathi which includes Memory (1969), Bhajan (1969), Ek Zulta Pool (1971), Dar Koni
Ughadat Naahi (1979) and Bus Stop (1980). His adapted/translated one act plays are
Judge (1968), Yamuche Rahasya (1976), Bhint (1980), Valan (1980), Alshi Uttarvalyachi
Gosht (1999), Nashibvan Baiche Don (1999), Supari (2002) and Karmaachari (2009). He
directed these plays for Lalit Kala Kendra (Centre for Performing Arts, University of Pune)
and also for Theatre Academy, Pune. Alongside his literary career as a playwright, Satish
Alekar honoured many key positions in various capacities. He is one of the founder
members of Theatre Academy, Pune that he administered from 1973 to 1992. He also
associated himself with several reputed foreign universities as adjunct professor and as a
Fulbright Scholar. Prof. Alekar served many cultural organizations, institutes and
universities like Bharat Bhavan, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Delhi, National School of Drama,
Centre of Performing Arts, S.N.D.T. University and Shivaji University in different capacities.
Satish Alekar has contributed immensely as an actor in plays, TV serials and films.
Besides, he has also contributed as script writer, director, columnist and dialogue writer.
Satish Alekar is a recipient of many prestigious awards including ‘Padamshree’ for his
valuable contribution to Marathi theatre. Many of his plays have been translated and
produced in several regional languages all over India. He succeeded in creating a new
idiom in Marathi theatre by his unique use of black humor, language and absurdity to
convey the oblique sense of reality.

The idea of carrying out present research spurted from reading the play Dread Departure -
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