The research focuses on how persons who engage in begging activities
manage their front stage, backstage, and impressions. Through a study of dramaturgy, this
study employs a qualitative methodology. The results demonstrate that beggars verbally
managed impressions by saying, “have mercy, sir, madam.” Using bowls as a symbol of
asking, beggars with unclean clothes, sorrowful faces, and sluggish movements remove their hands. Their onstage image takes
advantage of physical handicaps, pretending
to be crippled, and living an impoverished
and nomadic existence to elicit sympathy.
It contrasts with a figure in the backstage
appearance who is in good physical
condition, goes about her daily activities,
dresses well, smiles, lives in luxury, and
has good social contacts with her family
and society.
Keywords: Backstage beggars, dramaturgy