Background

Change in society happens with the confluence of two complementary processes: on the one hand, it requires the creation of new social structures and institutions, influencing public policy and socio-political mobilisation; and on the other hand, it needs a transformation in the way people think, in their ideas and worldviews. While many forms of social action focus on the former, theatre is a medium that bridges the gap between both these processes.

Engagement with theatre not only helps the social activist delve deeper into their own worldview and perspectives, but also acts as an important tool for social mobilisation and reaching out to people and communities. ‘Being the Change’ leads to acting the change in one’s life and further action for change, in society.

Theatre has played a significant role in the processes of transformative politics across the world: from the plays of Bertolt Brecht in Germany, to the ‘Theatre of the Oppressed’ in Brazil and the street theatre of Safdar Hashmi and Jan Natya Manch in India. It is a medium that can foster critical thinking, encourage the process of analyzing rather than accepting, ‘acting’ rather than just talking, of connecting the individual to the collective. The evocative language of theatre can give a voice to the voiceless and be an empowering medium for socially marginalised communities.

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