Centrestage

The text presents a clear, research-driven reading experience. It unfolds in two parts: a historical sweep of Indian theater—from the mid-nineteenth century English-language stage to contemporary practice in cities like Kolkata and evolving pedagogy across India—and a provocative examination of intercultural theatre, including global portrayals of Indian performance and the work of influential directors. Grounded in decades of study and firsthand engagement with live performance, the essays blend historical context with sharp critical analysis, offering readers a robust framework for understanding how performance travels across borders and cultures.

• Two-part structure: Indian theater history and intercultural theatre, with a focus on evolution and politics of performance
• Comprehensive historical arc from colonial-era drama to twenty-first-century practice and pedagogy
• Critical examination of global representations of Indian performance and the work of renowned directors
• Concepts covered include theatre history, performance studies, dramaturgy, and intercultural exchange
• Accessible yet rigorous prose that supports students, scholars, and theatre practitioners in deepening their understanding
• Firsthand engagement with performance and decades of research that illuminate contemporary debates about culture and stage

Readers emerge with a nuanced perspective on how theater politics and practices evolve across cultures, plus a sharpened ability to evaluate performances, productions, and their broader cultural implications. The volume fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of intercultural exchange on the modern stage.