Mutual Involvement of Jatra/Yatra and Brechtian Theatre: A Comparative Study

Author(s): S. M. Latiful Khabir

Publication Date: December 30, 2025

Abstract

A widely practised forms of folk theatre in South Asia, Jatra (or Yatra) integrates multiple modes of performance, including acting, song, dance etc. These multiple forms of elements made Jatra a more theatrical performance right from the beginning of its practice. The style of staging process, costume, make-up, acting style and stage structure contributes to Jatra’s uniqueness. The presentation style with narratives, songs, music, dance, use of minimal set, costume, property and lights in Jatra, are similar to the features of Brechtian theatre employed as techniques of alienation. In the South Asian folk theatre tradition, forms such as Kutiyattam, Raslila, Ramlila, Nautanki, and various other ancient folk performances and arts have been employing the concept of alienation since their inception, and from the fifteenth century onwards, its widespread use can also be observed in the performances of popular Bengali folk theatre, unknowingly and unconsciously. Brechtian concept was so effective and striking to the Europeans that they followed it in all over the world theatre, however, it was not new to Bengali Jatra theatre in South Asia.