Introduction: The musical-theatrical Global South

The Introduction to this Special Issue (‘The Musical-Theatrical Global South’) of Studies in Musical Theatre delves into the expansive musical-theatrical traditions of the Global South, examining what it means to move beyond the dominant spaces of Broadway, the West End and Hollywood. The issue explores the dynamic contributions of artists from regions like Mexico City, Cairo, Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg, Jakarta and Bogotá, who engage with local traditions and negotiate their identities within and outside imported Global North musical forms. While conventional scholarship often overlooks the Global South, this collection of articles brings attention to the rich genealogies of song, dance and theatre in these regions, complicating the traditional definition of the ‘musical’. The issue further examines the political dimensions of musical theatre in the Global South which engage with complex historical narratives. Roundtable discussions with scholars and creators from countries such as Brazil, Lebanon, India, Nigeria and South Africa provide insights into the intersections between local traditions.