Women and Indian Shakespeares

This co-edited essay collection radically reimagines the field of Indian Shakespeares by putting women at the centre. It explores the multiple ways in which women are, and have been, engaged with Shakespeare in India from the 18th century to the present day. It interweaves history, genres (from translation to cinematic adaptation and from early colonial performances to contemporary theatrical experiment), regions and languages.

The book uncovers a unique history of women as creators of Shakespeare in an Indian milieu, whether this shows itself in women's translations of the plays in the Victorian era, previously occluded theatrical productions involving women or more recent female-helmed dance dramas, novels and film adaptations. It spotlights the ways in which women are figured in Indian Shakespeares – as resistant agents, marital seductresses, redemptive daughters, fetishized objects, victims of caste discrimination, conflicted spaces and global citizens. A unique feature is the incorporation throughout of women's voices, the contributors drawing from archives, anecdotes and specially commissioned interviews. Women and Indian Shakespeares concludes with highlights from a conversation in which contemporary directors and practitioners reflect on their ongoing work with Shakespeare in India and the adaptive energies informing their craft.