Oligarchs, Jokes, and a Pinch of Democracy: An Agit-Prop
Oligarchs, Jokes, and a Pinch of Democracy: An Agit-Prop Oligarchs, Jokes, and a Pinch of Democracy: An Agit-Prop Posted on 29th May, 2025 (GMT 13:09 hrs) ABSTRACT This agit-prop is a sharp, satirical theatrical performance set in a dystopian 2025 Mumbai comedy club, blending the traditions of Charlie Chaplin, Bertolt Brecht, and Dario Fo to mount a fierce critique of India’s current political and media landscape. Using the techniques of “total theatre” and “epic theatre,” the play breaks the fourth wall and demands audience engagement, creating a space where humour becomes rebellion. Anchored by Akash Banerjee’s scathing monologues and featuring an ensemble of comedians like Munawar Faruqui, Vir Das, and Kunal Kamra, alongside journalists such as Ravish Kumar and Dhruv Rathee, the performance employs alienation effects and direct address to spotlight the nexus of politics, propaganda, and profit. The stage becomes a visual battleground of symbols: a Modi impersonator lies in a hos...