Gender and performativity Theorizing Vijay Tendulkar’s Kamala and Kanyadaan

This work explores the themes of gender and performativity in Vijay Tendulkar's plays Kamala and Kanyadaan, specifically how the playwright examines societal conventions and the dynamics of gendered identities. Drawing on Judith Butler's theory of performativity, the paper contends that Tendulkar's representation of women in these plays shows the performative aspect of gender, in which identities are produced and reinforced by social rituals rather than being intrinsic or natural. Kamala emphasises the devaluation of women and the transactional aspect of gendered roles, while Kanyadaan explores the connection of caste, class, and gender within the context of arranged marriage and societal responsibility. The study explores into how the characters' actions, both visible and internal, mirror patriarchal structure/codes and often contradictory demands put on women. By studying the conflict between societal expectations and individual agency, the research reinforces Tendulkar's assessment of how gender roles are enacted, reinforced, and resisted in Indian society. This dissertation contributes to a greater understanding of gender performativity in postcolonial Indian theatre, as well as its relevance to current issues about gender justice and equality.