The Popular and the Spectacular: A Study of Bhraamyamaan Theatre in Assam

Abstract

Taking recourse to a few Western concepts of popular theatre under the rubric of popular culture, this
paper examines Bhraamyamaan theatre not only as a commercially viable product, but also as a consistent
and successful cultural medium of bringing theatre to the people. The paper highlights some of the
elements of popular culture which are pertinent to Bhraamyamaan theatre. It examines how the element
of spectacle contributes towards construction of Bhraamyamaan theatre as popular culture in Assam. An
attempt has been made to analyze some of the essential and time-tested methods used by the producers
to create a spectacle on the stage. The concept of spectacle is discussed with reference to ‘the sentiment
of wonder’, ‘gimmick’ ‘dhamaka’ etc in Indian contexts. The role of the audience in shaping
Bhraamyamaan theatre as popular culture has also been discussed. Bhraamyamaan theatre’s accessibility
to the masses has given it a unique identity. Contesting the idea that Bhraamyamaan theatre should be
undermined as lowbrow culture, the paper underlines the need to explore the dimensions of popular
aesthetics keeping its unique characteristics in mind.