Genesis of Street Theatre: Understanding through People’s Theatre in India

Street theatre has a long history in India. In ancient times, the theatre has a specific place in the life and culture of Indian people. Theatre has key ingredients to integrate the people’s life for social and cultural expression in an artistic manner. This is evident from the long, varied and multi-layered theatre tradition in this country. The street theatre is born out through single distinction and honour through Bharta Muni’s Natyashastra, the ancient encyclopaedic work on the dramatic art written or compiled about two thousand years ago. Before setting the historical background as a context for studying the significance of India’s contemporary street theatre, it is necessary to bring forth the prevalent debates regarding the popular culture and locate popular theatre as an important space for political resistance, development, and social change. This is an attempt to explore and trace the genesis and evolution of street theatre in India.

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