In the age of YouTube and Netflix, a folk theatre play has not just survived but thrived for 25 years. The remarkable achievement of Swang “Jaani Chor”, led by Satish Georgy Kashyap — popularly called the ‘King of Swang’ — has turned attention to a journey that began inside Hisar jail in 2001 and travelled from village chaupals (gatherings) to international festivals.

Swang, or Saang, is a centuries old dialogue-driven folk form from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. It blends music, poetry, farce and dance, usually in open air settings. Among its best loved stories is “Jaani Chor”, the tale of a witty, Robin Hood-like thief who outsmarts the rich and corrupt. Under Mr. Kashyap’s direction, the classic has been reimagined without losing its rustic spirit.