The survival of jatra

The declining state of the once popular performance form jatra in Bangladesh led me to undertake this research study. Jatra has a deep social and cultural significance in Bangladesh, as it represents the cultural identity of the nation and serves to uplift the morals of the audience. Over the past 25 years, more than 150 professional jatra companies have closed down in Bangladesh, placing the livelihoods of over 20,000 jatra practitioners at risk. One of the most notable challenges faced by jatra is its over-commercialisation, with the incorporation of explicit dance and some illegal elements, which has limited the audience to only certain sections of society. The present research identifies the factors behind the declining numbers of jatra companies and audiences, and seeks for possible pathways to increase audience attendance. The research involves ethnographic studies into jatra and observation of its performances, backstage activities and the social and cultural life of the artists, as well as interviews with jatra practitioners and the people associated with the form. Upon receiving proposals from the research participants, for reviving jatra, a revival plan was constructed and tested with a professional company. This thesis consists of this written component and a documentary (video), entitled Jatra in Bangladesh: A Bird with Broken Wings, which exhibits the current practices of the form, the challenges faced by companies, and the application of the revival plan and its results. The outcomes of the research and test performance attest that there is a possibility of regaining audience attendance, which will help jatra to revive on its own. The formulation and application of a constructive plan is essential in order to create an appropriate set of circumstances to support professional jatra practices. Additional material(s) submitted with thesis.