Decolonizing the Stage: Exploring Postcolonial Narratives and Identity in Rohina Malik’s Unveiled

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the intersection of postcolonial criticism and contemporary literature through an in-depth analysis of Rohina Malik's play Unveiled (2018) and dissects how Malik's work delves into themes such as identity, assimilation, cultural heritage, and resistance within the framework of postcolonial discourse. Through an analysis of the characters' challenges and victories, besides the socio-political backdrop against which the play unfolds, this form of citizenship represents the aspiration of each postcolonial individual to be fully integrated as a genuine member of their adopted nation-state. By embracing environmentally conscious values that transcend ethnic boundaries, postcolonial citizens can forge meaningful connections within their new society. Regarding the methodology, this research employs a postcolonial critical approach, drawing on Said, Spivak, and Bhabha, to analyze Rohina Malik's Unveiled. Through the analysis of the text, the paper identifies identity, cultural resistance, and marginalization, and how the play resists stereotypes, relations of power, and postcolonial oppression in order to portray a story of agency, resilience, and belonging. Moreover, this study underscores the transformative potential of literature in shaping narratives of resistance, solidarity, and shared humanity in the postcolonial era. As postcolonial discourse continues to evolve, works like "Unveiled" serve as vital touchstones for understanding the ongoing complexities of citizenship and belonging in a world shaped by colonial histories and contemporary realities.