The Triad of Language, Characters, and Stage

Modern Dramaturgy of Characters Inspired by Indian Texts in the Light of the Nāṭyaśāstra

Abstract

The present research paper, titled “The Triad of Language, Character and Stage: Modern Theatrical Reconstruction of Characters from Indian Canonical Texts in the Light of Natyashastra”, undertakes a multidimensional analysis of the triadic interaction among the three foundational pillars of Indian theatre – language, character, and stage – using Bharata Muni’s Natyashastra as its primary theoretical framework. The study critically examines the linguistic (phonetic, syntactic, and morphological), psychological, and performative dimensions of characters embedded in ancient Indian texts such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Upanishads, Brihatkatha, Jataka tales, classical Sanskrit dramas, and Puranic narratives from the perspective of Natyashastra. By analysing dialogue structure, vachika abhinaya, the rasa-vibhava-anubhava-anubandha process, and dramatic metaphors, it demonstrates that in Natyashastra, language is not merely a medium of communication but an active performative cognition in itself. Examining the process of re-creation of these canonical characters on modern and contemporary Indian stages, the research highlights creative cultural exploration at the levels of character evolution, scenic iconicity, linguistic reconfiguration, and multilingualism. Through the triadic approach, it reveals the intersemiotic interaction among language, character, and stage, thereby establishing that ancient Indian characters can be revitalised on today’s stage within new linguistic and socio-cultural contexts. In doing so, the study reasserts the eternal relevance of Natyashastra while proposing a fresh theoretical framework for modern Indian and global performance arts.