The Jan Sunawayi form (the form of the Indian People’s Courts) resembles the theatre to the extent that the entire legal proceedings are meant to be witnessed as an argumentative public theatre rather than an actual legal verdict. Jan Sunawayi verdicts can only act as arguments on behalf of society and are not enforceable by the state. This panel sets out to ask, if the Jan Sunawayi form is particularly interesting for documentary theatre.

PANELS

Jan Sunawayi (People’s Court)—Testimonials as Documentary Practice

19th December 2019  •  Panelists: Arvind Narrain, Sameena Dalwai, and Zuleikha Chaudhari. Moderator: Soumyabrata Choudhury

The Jan Sunawayi form (the form of the Indian People’s Courts) resembles the theatre to the extent that the entire legal proceedings are meant to be witnessed as an argumentative public theatre rather than an actual legal verdict. Jan Sunawayi verdicts can only act as arguments on behalf of society and are not enforceable by the state. This panel sets out to ask, if the Jan Sunawayi form is particularly interesting for documentary theatre.