Tagore as a Playwright: Key Plays and Themes

Rabindranath Tagore, a towering figure in the world of literature, is primarily recognized for his poetic genius and his role in the cultural renaissance of India. But among his vast repertoire, his role as a playwright is equally significant, albeit less discussed. Through his plays, Tagore espoused themes that were way ahead of his time, grappling with subjects like nationalism, spirituality, social reforms, and the nature of love. In this article, we delve deep into Tagore’s realm as a playwright, highlighting his key plays and their prevailing themes.

Tagore as a Playwright: Key Plays and Themes

The Theatrical Landscape of Tagore’s Era:

Before we delve into specific plays, it’s essential to understand the cultural milieu in which Tagore wrote. The late 19th and early 20th century in India were marked by significant socio-political changes, as well as a renaissance in arts, music, and literature. Western-style proscenium theatre was gaining ground, leading to a fusion of traditional and modern forms. It was in this evolving theatrical landscape that Tagore penned his plays, each resonating with the rhythm of the changing times.

Key Plays:

1. Bisarjan (Sacrifice, 1917) – Based in an imaginary kingdom, the story revolves around the age-old practice of human sacrifice, symbolizing the fight against superstitious rituals. Tagore challenges the blindness of ritualistic practices and emphasizes the importance of reason and compassion.
2. Raja (The King of the Dark Chamber, 1910) – This allegorical play echoes Tagore’s spiritual ideas. The unseen king represents the Almighty, and the journey of the protagonist, Sudarshana, towards the king symbolizes the soul’s journey towards the divine.
3. Chandalika (The Untouchable Girl, 1933) – A play that grapples with issues of caste discrimination and untouchability, Tagore tells the story of Prakriti, an untouchable girl, and her spiritual awakening through love.
4. Muktadhara (The Waterfall, 1922) – An allegorical drama that criticizes autocracy and colonial rule. The protagonist, the king, is obsessed with controlling the waterfall, which symbolizes the free spirit of the people. The climax, where the dam breaks and water flows freely, metaphorically portrays liberation from tyranny.
5. Post Office (Dakghar, 1912) – A heart-touching narrative of a terminally ill child, Amal, confined to his room, yearning for the outside world. The play delves into themes of hope, imagination, and the beauty of life.

Themes and Motifs:

1. Spirituality and the Quest for the Divine: Whether it’s the journey towards the unseen king in Raja or Amal’s longing for freedom in Post Office, Tagore’s plays frequently explored man’s quest for a spiritual connection.
2. Social Reforms: Tagore’s dramas became platforms to challenge societal norms and address significant social issues. Plays like Bisarjan and Chandalika not only criticize deep-rooted traditions but also inspire change.
3. Nature: Much like his poetry, Tagore’s plays echo his profound love and reverence for nature. The metaphor of the waterfall in Muktadhara is a testament to this theme.
4. Nationalism and the Idea of Freedom: As India grappled with colonial rule, Tagore’s plays became vocal critiques of autocracy and tyranny. While Tagore celebrated the idea of nationalism, he was also wary of its extremist tendencies.
5. Love: Be it romantic love, as seen in Chandalika, or the universal love for the divine in Raja, the theme of love prevails throughout Tagore’s dramatic works.

The Evolution of Tagore’s Dramatic Techniques:

While the themes and narratives of Tagore’s plays are undoubtedly the heart of his dramatic works, it’s equally crucial to recognize the evolution in his dramatic techniques. As a playwright, Tagore was innovative, often fusing traditional Indian theatrical elements with Western forms.

1. Narrative Techniques: Tagore often employed nonlinear, allegorical storytelling methods. This approach makes his plays both timeless and universal. For instance, Raja uses the structure of a quest narrative but imbues it with deep spiritual symbolism, making it more than just a simple tale of a journey.
2. Character Development: Tagore’s characters aren’t mere black and white archetypes; they evolve through the narrative, reflecting human complexities. Prakriti in Chandalika evolves from a despondent outcast to a woman awakened to her self-worth, showcasing Tagore’s intricate character portrayal.
3. Music and Dance: Tagore’s background in music and his creation of Rabindra Sangeet (songs written and composed by him) played an influential role in his plays. Music was not just an ornamental addition; it was interwoven with the narrative, emphasizing emotional and thematic elements. The use of dance, especially in plays like Chitrangada (based on the Mahabharata character), adds a unique dimension, making the experience more immersive.
4. Dialogues and Monologues: Tagore’s strength as a poet comes forth in his plays through the lyrical quality of his dialogues and monologues. These are often philosophical, reflecting the inner turmoil and revelations of the characters.

Tagore’s Global Impact as a Playwright:

While Tagore is often celebrated as India’s first Nobel laureate in Literature, his influence as a playwright has seen global resonance. His plays have been translated into numerous languages, with performances staged worldwide. The universality of his themes – the human quest for meaning, the tension between tradition and modernity, and the challenges of love and sacrifice – ensures that his plays remain relevant across cultures and time.

Eugene O’Neill, the famous American playwright, once remarked on Tagore’s unique ability to weave the complex philosophical thoughts of the East with the dynamic narrative structures of the West. Similarly, W.B. Yeats, the renowned Irish poet, was profoundly influenced by Tagore’s play The Post Office, appreciating its simplicity and depth.

In Retrospect:

Tagore’s brilliance as a playwright lies not just in the stories he chose to tell but in how he told them. His plays reflect a deep understanding of human nature, societal structures, and the spiritual realm. Through innovative techniques, a keen sense of music and dance, and deeply philosophical dialogues, Tagore created a world where drama was not just entertainment but also a medium of introspection and reform.

In today’s age, when the world often seems polarized and fragmented, revisiting Tagore’s plays offers solace and enlightenment. They serve as a reminder of our shared humanity, our collective quest for meaning, and the transformative power of art and literature.

Conclusion:

Rabindranath Tagore, as a playwright, was a beacon of reform and change. Through his plays, he not only entertained but also sparked introspection and critical thinking in his audience. Tagore’s dramas are not just literary masterpieces but also profound philosophical treatises that continue to be relevant and resonate with readers and audiences globally. They are a testament to Tagore’s multifaceted genius, where his role as a playwright is as essential as his more celebrated roles in other genres of literature.

See more:

• GOLN Rabindranath Tagore Book : Table of Content