A Critical Stage

Synopsis

The role of secular alternative theatre in Pakistan

Starting with examining the reasons why theatre failed to take root and develop in Pakistan, this book studies the critical role played by alternative or parallel theatre in the civil society of Pakistan.

This theatre is seen as a vanguard of intellectuals and cultural activists, concerned not only with producing plays, but also with developing theatre as a tool both of conscientization over repressive norms and customs, and of resistance to oppressive state policies, thus broadening the scope of the term theatre to encompass the notion of theatre-in-development.

This book argues that secular alternative theatre in Pakistan since the late twentieth century is a locus of cultural conflict, wherein concerns such as women s and minorities rights, class and gender issues, language politics and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism are defined and contested in the evolving and often conflictive relationship between the Pakistani State and Pakistani society.

Additionally, there is a look at instances of experimental theatre in New York post-9/11 through which the author develops an argument about the performance of identity, both within Pakistan and globally.

Fawzia Afzal-Khan, Professor of English, Montclair State University, USA, is a scholar-performer who draws on both her academic training in the US and her insider experience with alternative street theatre groups in Pakistan to develop this unique first-of-its kind study.