"Hayavadana: A Timeless Tale of Identity and Desire" Girish Karnad's iconic play, Hayavadana, was a long-awaited milestone in the illustrious career of celebrated Indian theatre maker, Neelam Mansingh Chaudhari. This masterpiece weaves together realism, magic, myth, and desire, crafting a rich tapestry of endless theatrical possibilities.

A Pioneer in Indian Playwriting:
Hayavadana marked a significant turning point in Indian playwriting, post-independence. By seamlessly merging myth and modernity, Karnad created a profoundly contemporary statement that continues to resonate with audiences today.

A Story of Switched Heads and Transposed Identities:
Inspired by the 12th-century Sanskrit collection, Kathasaritasagara, and Thomas Mann's philosophical novella, Transposed Heads, Hayavadana delves into the complexities of feminism, desire, identity, and the human condition. The play's narrative is enriched by traditional dramatic elements, including masks, handheld curtains, and music, which add depth and texture to the performance. In Hayavadana, real and fictional characters coexist without contradiction, creating a dreamlike atmosphere where a horse laments, dolls speak, and reflect on the human experience. This poignant exploration of the duality between body and mind raises fundamental questions about existence, identity, and the human condition.

The Tragic Tale of Hayavadana :
The play's titular character, Hayavadana, a horse-headed man, embodies the painful suspension between the animal and human worlds. His story serves as a powerful metaphor for the mind-over-matter discourse, inviting audiences to ponder the complexities of existence.

A Musical Narrative:
Hayavadana is also a musical, where musicians are not mere accompanists but active participants in advancing the narrative. Their melodies and rhythms set the tone and pitch for each scene, elevating the performance into a sublime fusion of music, drama, and dance.