Street Theatre as Democratic Politics in Ahmedabad

Street theatre emerges as a powerful tool for democratic politics and the redefinition of criminalized subjectivities within urban spaces, particularly among indigenous communities. This study highlights how the Chharas community in Ahmedabad uses performance to challenge societal narratives, fostering dialogue across differences and asserting their right to be seen and heard in public spheres. The research employs collaborative ethnographic methods, drawing on ongoing fieldwork in Gujarat, to demonstrate how theatre serves as both a socio-spatial tactic and a mechanism for affirmative subjectivities. By bridging performative practice with democratic potential, the study offers a nuanced understanding of cultural resistance and civic engagement in post-colonial contexts.

Johnston, C., & Bajrange, D. (2013). Street Theatre as Democratic Politics in Ahmedabad. Antipode, 46(2), 455–476. https://doi.org/10.1111/anti.12053