Centrestage

This is a scholarly non-fiction collection of essays that traces the evolution, politics, and global reach of theater performance in and beyond India. Spanning two centuries, it offers a thoughtful, authoritative look at how Indian drama has developed from its colonial-era beginnings to the vibrant, intercultural stage today. The book speaks to readers with an interest in theater history, performance studies, and cultural exchange, delivered in a confident, engaging voice that invites careful reading and reflection. 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 pe