About this book
Onto the Stage: Slighted Souls and Other Stage and Radio Plays by BS Murthy transports listeners to colonial India, where a compelling collection of dramatic works explores the lives of the oppressed beneath an entrenched feudal system. Set against the backdrop of Hyderabad under the Nizams, these plays illuminate the struggles of dalits and rural communities subjugated by a corrupt nexus of village leaders, officials, and landowners who exploit them with impunity while the British Raj turns a blind eye.
Through intimate character-driven narratives, Murthy captures the human cost of systemic injustice—the economic devastation, social degradation, and moral corruption imposed on the powerless. As India's union with the nation brings hope for change, these "slighted souls" begin to envision a more equitable future, only to find themselves caught between the promise of egalitarianism and the stubborn resistance of those clinging to feudal privilege. The plays examine class conflict, social mobility, and the courage required to challenge centuries-old hierarchies.
This collection of stage and radio plays is essential listening for those interested in Indian history, social justice narratives, and literary fiction that speaks to timeless themes of oppression and resistance. Murthy's work offers both historical insight and emotional resonance, making it ideal for listeners seeking thought-provoking drama that reflects on India's transformative post-independence era.
