Identity and Representation in Pakistani Theatre: Khawaja Sira and the Dynamics of Cultural Discourses

This article examines how the identity of the Khawaja Sira trans community is constructed and represented in Pakistani theatre, in relation to the contemporary social, cultural, and legal context. Starting from the historical status of this community, often associated with the idea of a “third gender,” the study highlights the persistent tension between formal recognition and social marginalization.

In this framework, artistic representation becomes a crucial space for negotiating identity. The analysis considers both representations in film, such as the case of Joyland, and contemporary theatrical practices, ranging from the commercial circuit of stage shows and mujra to theatre initiatives that allow the community self-representation. Drawing on the concepts of representation and performativity, the article investigates the extent to which theatre functions as a space of resistance or, conversely, as a mechanism for reproducing stereotypes. The findings suggest that theatre offers a privileged framework for expression and visibility, yet remains marked by structural ambivalence, where identity can be simultaneously affirmed and transformed into spectacle.