Gurgaon Ke dramebaaz: top 5 theatre groups
The theatre scene in Millennium City is buzzing with activity and spilling over with good acts. Here are five theatre groups you can be a part of if you wish to act, write or direct.
The theatre scene in Millennium City is buzzing with activity and spilling over with good acts. Here are five theatre groups you can be a part of if you wish to act, write or direct.
Gurgaon Theatre group
This theatre group, which started workshops in July last year, focuses on improving the speech, body language and expressions of theatre enthusiasts. The group had it’s first production, Darling Sharling Hai Tauba (Hindi adaptation of Imaginary Invalid by the French playwright Moliere) in January this year and is currently preparing for the second production — likely to be a socio-political drama — written by Vijay Tendulkar.
Practice Time: 9am to 11:30am (on weekends) Age/ Profession: Any Cost: Rs 2,500 per month, Practice adda: Kalasthali, G-Block, Palam Vihar
More info on: www.facebook.com/groups/gurgaontheatregroup
Platform for Action in Creative Theatre (PACT)
Started in November 2009 by Gouri Nilakantan Mehta, who has a Masters degree in Theatre, and Neeraj Mehta, an MBA, who looks after the business, PACT is open to people from all walks of life and age groups. It is for those who can dedicate a couple of hours to theatre every day. PACT also conducts workshops for children and corporate employees on how to use theatre for team-building, increasing confidence and improving communication skills.
Practice Time: 7pm to 9pm (daily) Age/Profession: 6 to 70-year-olds, who can devote a few hours every day, Cost: Free, Practice adda: 149, National Media Center, Gurgaon, More info on: www.facebook.com/pact.delhi
Merry Go Around
The group’s idea is to save Gurgaon walas the trouble of travelling to far off places for recreation. “One day during rehearsals for a Delhi-based group, I realised that at least 50% of the cast was from Gurgaon. That’s when I felt Gurgaon needed to have a theatre group of it’s own. We started MGR in Jan 2012 ,” says Padhi, 33, an advertising professional and actor.
Practice Time: 4-7 pm (on weekends), Cost: Free, Practice adda: Sector 56, More info on: www.facebook.com/merrygoroundentertainment
LWG Theatre
Started by a few theatre enthusiasts from Let’s Walk, Gurgaon, this theatre group aims to spread awareness about social issues like respect for women, safety and road rage. “We have performed street plays in front of various malls and markets in Gurgaon,” says Amita Pareva, one of the founders. The group is open to people of all age-groups, as long as they are committed to dedicating a couple of hours every week.
Practice Time: 5-7 on weekends, Cost: Free, Practice adda: Leisure Valley Park, Sector 29, More info on: www.facebook.com/groups/lwgtheater
Lamp Stand
The group was founded last summer, along with the popular music school — Lorraine Music Academy. “We plan to produce a host of musicals and plays from various genres in the next three years,” says Aubrey Aloysius, founder.
Practice Time: 4pm-8pm twice a day, Cost: Depends on the workshop, Practice adda: DLF Phase IV, Nirvana Country, Sector 50, Gurgaon, More info on: www.lorrainemusicacademy.com
Urban Suburban Productions (USP)
The USP of this group is the strong female perspective to the plays, thanks to the core group of five women founders. “We celebrate womanhood with all its quirks and welcome men to join hands,” says Vanessa Ohri, one of the founders.
Practice Time: flexible, Cost: Free, More info on: www.facebook.com/UrbanSuburbanProductions
