| ID | 091725 |
| Title Proper | Staging composite culture |
| Other Title Information | Nautanki and Parsi theatre in recent revivals |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Hansen, Kathryn |
| Publication | 2009. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Both the rural-based Nautanki and its urban counterpart, the Parsi theatre, remain part of the cultural scenario of modern India and continue to contribute to the ongoing negotiation of India's composite culture. Part of the appreciation of these older stylized theatre genres comes from awareness of their hybrid character. As emblems of composite culture, these theatrical traditions remind viewers of a popular secular outlook that is still within reach. This article discusses two performances observed during 2004 in New Delhi, of Amar Singh Rathor and Yahudi ki Larki, both canonical popular texts. It is argued that the revival of these plays owes much to their ability to serve as allegories within the current polarized cultural and political climate. The discussion suggests the continuing potential of the impulse to counter neo-nationalist ideology by means of popular media such as Nautanki and Parsi theatre. |
| `In' analytical Note | South Asia Research Vol. 29, No. 2; Jul 2009: p.151-168 |
| Journal Source | South Asia Research Vol. 29, No. 2; Jul 2009: p.151-168 |
| Key Words | Composite Culture ; Dance ; Drama ; Film ; Hindutva ; Nautanki ; Parsi Theatre ; Secularism ; Theatre |