ENCOMPASSING ALL the aspects of performing arts, theatre is still a passion for those who fight against all odds to keep up with its standards which it enjoyed earlier.
With the advent of World Theatre Day on March 27, the noted artistes who although celebrate the event akin to a festival are ready to admit its present condition which is deteriorating each day. Besides, adding to their woes is the ignorant attitude of the audience.
Anil Ranjan Bhowmick, director of Samanantar theatre group, said that all the artistes practicing varied art forms should celebrate the event in togetherness. "In order to attract the crowd it is necessary to have numerous staging of the plays and it should be done on a regular basis. It is good to witness innovative experiments being done by the youngsters in this field but theatre should not be used as a medium to gain access in films and television serials", he said. "Theatre in the city is touching new heights in spite of facing several difficulties", he added.
Negligent attitude towards theatre irks noted theatre personality Neelabh who said the condition of theatre in the city is undergoing a bad phase as the attitude of audience has always been quite indifferent towards Hindi plays.
"People do not take the plays seriously. In rural areas, the art is still alive through Ramlila and Nautanki but situation is different in small cities. Sponsorship is readily available in metros and big cities while Allahabad lacks any such facility", said Neelabh.
{{/usCountry}}"People do not take the plays seriously. In rural areas, the art is still alive through Ramlila and Nautanki but situation is different in small cities. Sponsorship is readily available in metros and big cities while Allahabad lacks any such facility", said Neelabh.
{{/usCountry}}According to him, new plays are not being penned any more since writers are interested in making money by writing poems and novels. Neelabh expressed unhappiness over non-responsiveness of the government in promoting theatre.
Darshan Prakash of Adharshila Akademi said, World Theatre Day is significant for all the artistes and celebrating the day in the city was initiated by AR Bhowmick in the year 1996. Lack of awareness regarding the significant event among the youngsters is not a good sign, he added.
According to Jagdeep Verma of Astha organisation, the day should be celebrated while forgetting all the differences.