Silence! The Court is in Session (Marathi: शांतता! कोर्ट चालू आहे) is a Marathi play written by Indian playwright Vijay Tendulkar in 1963 and first performed in 1967. The play is a social commentary on the hypocrisy and double standards of middle-class Indian society.
The play is set in a courtroom, where a mock trial is being held of Leela Benare, a school teacher who has been accused of having an affair with a married man. The trial is presided over by Sukhatme, a conservative lawyer who is determined to see Benare punished.
The play explores the themes of gender discrimination, sexual morality, and the role of women in society. Benare is a strong and independent woman who refuses to conform to the traditional expectations of her gender. She is intelligent, articulate, and passionate, and she is not afraid to speak her mind.
However, Benare is also vulnerable and naive. She is easily manipulated by the men in her life, and she is ultimately punished for her transgressions. The play ends with Benare being found guilty of adultery, and she is sentenced to a year in prison.
Silence! The Court is in Session is a powerful and provocative play that challenges the status quo. It is a play that is still relevant today, and it continues to be performed around the world.
* **Gender discrimination:**
The play explores the ways in which women are discriminated against in Indian society. Benare is constantly judged and criticized for her behavior, even though the men in her life are guilty of the same things.
* **Sexual morality:**
The play also explores the double standards that exist around sexual morality. Benare is punished for her affair, while the married man who she had an affair with is not.
* **The role of women in society:**
The play challenges the traditional expectations of women in Indian society. Benare is a strong and independent woman who refuses to conform to these expectations.
Silence! The Court is in Session is a powerful and important play that continues to be relevant today. It is a play that challenges the status quo and asks difficult questions about gender discrimination, sexual morality, and the role of women in society.
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