Kathak Dance, Mass Communication and Societal Impact
Gauri Vijay Jathe
PhD Scholar
Amity University, Raipur (Chhattisgarh)
Mobile: 7517527809
Email: gaurijathe7@gmail.com
A Study of Classical Performance as Cultural Communication with Special Reference to Shobhana Narayan
Abstract
Kathak, one of India’s major classical dance traditions, has historically served as a dynamic medium of storytelling, cultural transmission, and social reflection. Emerging from the narrative practices of the Kathakas, the form has evolved in response to changing socio-political and media environments. In the contemporary era, marked by the expansion of mass communication and digital technologies, Kathak functions not only as an aesthetic discipline but also as a powerful system of cultural communication.
This research paper examines Kathak through the lens of mass communication theory and analyses its societal impact, with special reference to the artistic contributions of renowned Kathak exponent Shobhana Narayan. The study explores how Kathak communicates meaning through movement, rhythm, narrative, and mediated representation, influencing cultural identity, social awareness, and educational discourse. By situating Shobhana Narayan’s performance practice, pedagogy, and thematic productions within broader communication frameworks, the paper highlights the role of contemporary artists in expanding Kathak’s communicative reach while maintaining classical integrity. The research establishes Kathak as a living cultural language one that negotiates tradition and modernity while engaging actively with society through mass and digital media.
Keywords: Kathak, Mass Communication, Shobhana Narayan, Societal Impact, Classical Dance, Cultural Communication, Performance Studies
DOI link – https://doi.org/10.69758/GIMRJ/2511S01V13P017
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