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Theatre for Community Development: Street Theatre as an Agent of Change in Punjab (Pakistan)

Street theatre has always been a significant feature in the lives of rural communities as the only source of entertainment especially in the post-harvest season. In many parts of South Asia and Africa, it has been increasingly utilised as an awareness raising and development tool by civil society and development organisations. This paper would explore street theatre in the context of Pakistan, where it has been revitalised by organisations like Lok Rahs and Ajoka. Lok Rahs has primarily focused on the needs of rural communities and remains committed to their concerns regarding health but also human rights especially women and the disadvantaged. Ajoka, on the other hand, is a professional organisation, performing in formal as well as informal settings, focusing on socio-political concerns as well as human rights issues. This article would examine the contributions of both the groups in the broader context of feminist movement in Pakistan, looking at their role as change agents in the development of rural communities in Punjab province.