Sanskrit and Disney

Though geographically and culturally they are rigidly distinct, Sanskrit Theatre and Disney Movies proved to have connections I never would have thought existed.  Originating in India circa 500 BC, Sanskrit Theatre has been an integral part of the surrounding culture.  Not only is it revered by society but it is actually divine; the audience is supposed to be the Gods and through theatre and the dance within, a very high form of prayer is achieved.  That many other societies view it as entertainment is not the intended purpose of Sanskrit Theatre; it is more a foundation of the society and a backbone that upholds the culture.

            American and other societies view Disney movies as a form of entertainment- the intended purpose of these films.  Even though this essential difference in purpose is stark, the way Disney movies have shaped and continued norms in American society bears a uncanny resemblance to Sanskrit Theatre.  Disney works to reflect societies values and prejudices through film, because of this, the company upholds and preserves the present culture by translating it to the next generation.   For example, the crows in Dumbo reflect the stereotypes the racist American society of 1941 endorsed.  Depicting the crows as poor, uneducated and following a leader named Jim Crow all too obviously communicates the current values of society to the next generation of leaders.  With historical distance such instances are now viewed as offensive, but in their historical context they worked to support societal norms and serve as a cultural foundation- just like Sanskrit Theatre.  Their purposes are opposites and what cultures take from them is divine in one and subtle socialization in the other, but aside from intentions, the ways these two theatres work with their societies surprised me. 

            After watching the film on Sanskrit Theatre, I also realized Sanskrit Theatre and Disney movies also share essential parts.  Both use music and dance to indicate plot and heighten the emotional tone of a scene.  Vocal expressions, dress/make-up and physical expression are main parts of Sanskrit Theatre.  Disney uses those parts ingeniously to convey societal values in all sorts of characters.  In the Dumbo example, the crows have African American voices and wear clothing stereotypical of the race as well as those who were poor and uneducated at the time.  The element of Sanskrit Theatre that drove home the Disney connection was the essential happy ending.  Disney’s template for movies always results in a happy ending, something that anyone not living under a rock is fully aware of.  Disney movies also reveal a lesson, similar to the benediction Sanskrit Theatre offers at the end to wish peace and prosperity to all.