Hayavadana
Hayavadana is a modern Indian play written by Girish Karnad, one of the most prominent figures in Indian theatre. The play, first performed in 1971, blends mythology, folklore, and philosophical exploration of identity, transformation, and the essence of human nature. It is a powerful narrative that delves deep into the complexities of the human psyche, while exploring the relationship between the body and the soul, reason and emotion, and the importance of self-awareness.
The title of the play, Hayavadana, is derived from two Sanskrit words: Haya (meaning horse) and Vada (meaning head or neck). The title refers to a character in the play who, due to a curse, possesses the head of a horse while maintaining the body of a human. This hybridization of the human and animal forms symbolizes a central theme in the play—the tension between the physical and the metaphysical, the rational and the emotional.
Girish Karnad (1938–2019) was an acclaimed Indian playwright, actor, and director, widely recognized for his contributions to Indian theatre, literature, and cinema. He is considered one of the foremost figures in modern Indian drama.
Early Life and Education:
Karnad was born on May 19, 1938, in Matheran, Maharashtra, to a Kannada-speaking family. He grew up in a culturally rich environment, which influenced his artistic journey. Karnad completed his education in philosophy at Karnataka University and later studied at the University of Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship, where he honed his interest in theatre and literature.