Contemporary Indian Theatre: Theatricality and Artistic Crossovers

Crossover of various disciplines is an inherent phenomenon of Indian theatre and performing arts. With the coming of western influence during the colonial, as well as postcolonial, periods the character of modern Indian theatre has metamorphisized, which is often reflected in the theatre. The larger sections of the Indian theatre scene belong to the experimental theatre, which derives its energy and motivation from the classical and folk/tribal theatre, and is an interdisciplinary theatre. Music, dance, acrobatic movements, and gesticulation of emotions are the integral aspects of such theatre. The idea of artistic crossovers in the performing arts does not solely refer to exchanges between artistic disciplines. Art, as a whole, can be seen as a discipline in an interdisciplinary relationship with other fields, such as education or applied sciences. There are also a lot of negotiations between art and subjects that are already interdisciplinary, such as feminism, spirituality, the environment, and more. The discourses on these subjects inspire many artists to experiment in contemporary Indian theatre by mixing forms. The collection presents a varied panoramic view of these artistic crossovers. [Subject: South Asian Studies, India Studies, Theatre Studies, Cultural Studies]