Best Kept Secret: The Conspiracy of Silence in Mahesh Dattani’s Thirty Days in September

Abstract

This article explores the nuanced dimensions of silence, examining its physical, psychological, and textual manifestations in Mahesh Dattani’s play “Thirty Days in September,” addressing the sensitive theme of child sexual abuse (CSA). It delves into the multifaceted roles of silence as a mechanism for psychological resistance, repression, suppression, and avoidance in the lives of CSA survivors, particularly portrayed through the characters of Shanta and Mala. The article also explores the symbolic presence of God as a silent refuge and the intentional use of authorial license to veil characters’ voices, highlighting the complexities of familial dynamics, societal expectations, and the pervasive silence surrounding CSA, emphasizing the challenges faced by victims in articulating their experiences. Furthermore, it delves into the psychological impact of repression and suppression on CSA survivors, detailing the intricate interplay between memory recall, dissociation, and the difficulties survivors encounter in acknowledging and confronting their traumatic past. The narrative of the play is dissected to reveal instances of silence as a coping mechanism, as well as the role of shame, secrecy, and power dynamics within familial contexts. The portrayal of God as a silent presence becomes a symbolic sacred space for characters to express and confront suppressed aspects of their harrowing experiences