H. S. Shiva Prakash is a famous Kannada dramatist. He was also a prominent poet, translator, and also a critic. Born in Bangalore in 1954, H. S. Shiva Prakash studied English literature and is a professor at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. H. S. Shiva Prakash belongs to the `total theatre` school of Kannada theatre, with music, dance, action, and a strong storyline. He draws subjects for his plays from the history and culture of Karnataka. One could describe his work as a search for the meaning and definition of culture, even for an alternate culture. Most of it deals with the Dravidian heritage and sets out to examine the present in the light of the past. Politically relevant, it is also artistically pleasing.

A scene from Mahachaitra by H. S. Shiva Prakash, Indian Theatre PersonalityOut of his fourteen plays, Mahachaitra staged in 1985 and Manteswami Kathaprasanga or Manteswami`s Scripted Story` in 1989 are important. In the first he boldly reassesses the complexities of the twelfth-century Kannada Bhakti movement and the life of its leader, Basaveswara. It became highly controversial, as the religious establishment perceived it a threat. They think it misrepresented Basaveswara`s character. The text was withdrawn from university syllabi. Manteswami Kathaprasanga discusses the life and achievements of the folk saint belonging to the oppressed classes, and has seen more than 125 performances all over India.

H. S. Shiva Prakash has also adapted and translated plays from English and European languages. Other significant works include Sultan Tipu i.e. `Tipu Sultan` in 1986, Shakespeare Swapna Nauke i.e. `Shakespeare`s Dream Boat` in 1988, Maranaykana Drishtanta i.e. `Maranaykana`s Example` in 1989, Mallamma Mane Hotlu i.e. `Mallamma`s House-hotel` in 1990, etc. Madari Madaiah i.e. `Madaiah the Cobbler in 1991, Madurai Kanda i.e. `Madurai Episode` in 1991, Malavika in 1991, Madhavi in 1992, Matrika in 1993, and Makarachandra in 1993 are also worth mentionable.