Patriarchy and traces of feminism in Mahesh Dattani’s Where There’s a Will: A holistic analysis

Abstract

Mahesh Dattani is known as a writer, actor, director and a theatre professional. His works are well known in the social domain for dealing with social and familial issues. He has used Indian mythology, rituals and traditions along with social issues to present the real and impartial portrayal of Indian society and families. In Where There’s a Will (1988) Dattani takes universal issues that cover societies of the whole world. Dattani says more in less word. Through this short and concise drama he raises the universal problem of patriarchy and suffering of women in particular. Through Indian society and Indian family of Hasmukh Mehta, Dattani takes hold of attention of the readers towards the whole world where women suffer silently in the hand of authoritative patriarchal system. The play is set against the patriarchy and makes an urge of freedom, equality, liberty and independence for women in male dominating societies. Therefore it supports feminism, a movement of women for demand of equality and rights same as those of men enjoy in the families as well as in the societies. So, Dattani calls the play; “exorcism of the patriarchal code’’.