Street Drama as a Rejection of the Agonic Reality and a Plea for Change

Abstract

This study investigates the contention that street theatre is a creative expression that protests against the status quo and calls for change. This study analyses the English version of Maxim Gorky's The Lower Depth and the responses of literary critics to demonstrate how street theatre may be used as a potent vehicle for social and political criticism, posing questions and demanding action. This article examines how street theatre may be used to criticise society and the government and how it can provoke debate and inspire action. It seeks to address the following issues: How can street theatre turn its back on the harsh truth? How many street theatres can be seen as a call for social transformation? When critiquing society and government, how effective is street theatre?