In our 2nd episode of "TCN-YOUTH COLLOQUY", we are joined by Dr. Rituparna Patgiri, who works as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi. She is also one of the co-founders of Doing Sociology, an independent, women-led academic blog dedicated to promoting sociological content.
In this episode, we speak to Rituparna about her PhD thesis which focuses on the Mobile Theatres in Assam. Titled as 'Bhyrmoman Natak in Assam: A Study of Publics' her work argues that these mobile theatres appear to be at once a part of the larger Assamese public sphere, and yet it shows signs of being a counter-public.
Mobile theatres are one of the most widespread forms of entertainment in Assam. It is often seen as a site of ethnic Assamese assertion in a fast-changing globalized cultural world. When the Assamese film industry is unable to compete with Bollywood and Hollywood movies, mobile theatre is the largest revenue earning industry in the state. Yet, it is very much a part of the same world, having adapted itself to the commercial demands of the time by using the latest technologies and content. In this episode along with her primary research observations, we delve into the history of these theatre groups, their impact on the cultural, economic & social fabric of the greater Assamese society. We also discuss about the challenges faced by the industry because of the pandemic and of possible solutions that can help them tackle the changing dynamics of entertainment.
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