UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS BETWEEN REAL AND HYPERREAL: AN ANALYSIS OF FEMINIST THEMES IN PAKISTANI DRAMA

Abstract

This article has been part of a larger research project done under HEC flagship research grant National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) with a particular focus on mapping out the social impact of feminist consciousness on Pakistani culture. For this, we have taken Pakistani drama as a primary source by taking a sample out of a carefully curated list of dramas. In so doing, our primary assumption is to view how drama as a medium has engaged with the feminist themes and issues as they emerge in society and engage their audience either by way of acceptance or rejection or a kind of negotiation,. In either case, the article analyses how has this engagement impacted or shaped public perception about feminism, in both theory and practice? How far and in what ways, these serials have played a major role in developing a palpable feminist consciousness in society, especially among the female audience over the years.

Keywords: HEC, NRPU, Social Impact, Feminism, Pakistani Culture, Drama.