Ritual as Resistance against Divine Power in Abhi Subedi’s Bruised Evenings

Abstract

This research paper analyzes the drama Bruised Evenings by Abhi Subedi, a modern Nepali playwright and argues how the ritual performance becomes instrumental in the socio- cultural transformation of human society. It further explores the significance of ritual performance to facilitate the agency essential to institute progressive changes in socio- cultural dimension of society. It argues that through the contrasting portrayal of divine and human characters, the playwright reflects upon the growing conflict between classical and modern times and its perception on cultural identity, equality, individual liberation, justice and power. With human characters such as Elder and a young merchant who demonstrate against the hegemonic tendency of deities, the celebration of Newari ritual performance offers a platform for the oppressed voices to challenge the hierarchical structure of socio- cultural relations between divinity and human. In order to consolidate the argument, the research borrows insights from the theory of Performance Studies by Richard Schechner and Victor Turner and explores the ritualistic dynamism of Newari cultural performance. Likewise, it is further accompanied by Michel Foucault’s concept of resistance in order to probe into the resisting power of ritual performance for social change. The paper concludes with the finding that cultural celebrations such as Newari festivities are not only aesthetic events for mere purpose of entertainment but they also contain the element of activism to bring about changes in socio-cultural landscape of human society.