Acts of Resistance: Theatre Methodologies Confronting Gender Violence in Contemporary India

Gender-based violence in India represents a persistent social challenge deeply intertwined with complex cultural, economic, and political factors. While significant attention has been paid to legislative and policy interventions, less research has focused on grassroots artistic interventions that address these issues through participatory approaches. Theatre of the Oppressed offers a powerful methodology for community engagement and social transformation that has been adapted across diverse cultural contexts. Applied Theatre India Foundation, in Pune, India, has established itself as a pioneering organization employing TO methodologies specifically tailored to address gender-based violence in Indian communities. Their work exists at a critical intersection of artistic practice, community development, and social justice advocacy.