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Covid took its toll, now Lucknow theatre artistes seek reopening of auditoriums
The artistes have appealed for opening of auditoriums, saying that not only them but dress suppliers, make-up artists, backstage workers, helping boys, hairdressers and costume designers have been out of business for almost two years
With cultural activities having come to a standstill for almost two years due to Covid-19, theatre artistes of the state capital as well as fringe workers are facing a financial crisis.
The artistes have appealed for opening of auditoriums, saying that not only them but dress suppliers, make-up artists, backstage workers, helping boys, hairdressers and costume designers have been out of business for almost two years.
Noted theatre artiste Anil Rastogi said, “There are more than 20 theatre groups in Lucknow alone and none has staged any play for the past two years. When the state government has allowed the opening of malls, schools, cinemas and restaurants, we are pleading for opening of theatres. We think keeping the benefit of theatre artistes in mind, the government will permit the opening of auditoriums.”
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President of UP Kalakar Association Sangam Bahuguna said, “During Covid times, we have helped more than 200 artistes. You know that artistes have an inflated ego. They will never turn up with a begging bowl in their hands, so we decided to approach them personally and convince them to take help if they were facing financial problems. We have kept their names secret.”
He said, “The majority of artistes have lost all of their income. And there is no clear path back to pre-pandemic levels of employment.”
Shatrughan Sharma, a theatre artiste said, “Earlier, a lot of film shoots used to take place in the city and theatre artistes used to get work. Now shooting of serials and, web series is also limited. Unavailability of auditoriums for plays is also denting the income of artistes. The state government must think about the pathetic condition of artistes in the city and come out with a package for them.”
