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The fool knows the flow of life!
A FOOL who thinks he is a fool is wise and a wise man who thinks he is wise is a fool! And before you think, ?Oh, what a fool?? it would be pertinent to mention that the above statement was made by eminent theatre educationist and director, Prof Raj Bisaria ahead of his one-month ?Theatre Workshop in Comedy? to begin from November 20. Why does Prof Bisaria, founder-director of Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts, think that way? ?Vidushak, or fools, have been the wisest characters in Sanskrit dramas as and in several Shakespearean plays. Why? The fool knows the flow of life!? he told HT Live.
Prof Raj Bisaria speaks on the eve of one-month ‘Theatre Workshop in Comedy’
A FOOL who thinks he is a fool is wise and a wise man who thinks he is wise is a fool!
And before you think, ‘Oh, what a fool?’ it would be pertinent to mention that the above statement was made by eminent theatre educationist and director, Prof Raj Bisaria ahead of his one-month ‘Theatre Workshop in Comedy’ to begin from November 20. Why does Prof Bisaria, founder-director of Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts, think that way? “Vidushak, or fools, have been the wisest characters in Sanskrit dramas as and in several Shakespearean plays. Why? The fool knows the flow of life!” he told HT Live.
The Prof said, “If one takes oneself too seriously, one is a bore. A comedian laughs at oneself. That’s what everyone should try to do. Laugh at self and with others—never at others. What’s more, good comedy is always subtle, never vulgar or loud.”
Aimed at stimulating one’s imagination, the workshop would focus on laughter, types, how a comedy is created, what are its elements, its importance in society, its nature, etc.
Way back in 1976, Prof Bisaria had staged a political satire. Today, he says comedy or satire on politicians is liked best. “That’s simply because there is so much disparity or dichotomy among politicians. They are dressed in white though their deeds are black, thus, when you comment on them comically the message is well received. That’s why I say comedy should always be corrective and reformative,” Prof Bisaria said.
The workshop, which Prof Bisaria said is the first attempt of its kind, is being organised under the aegis of Raj Bisaria Studio, a “Holistic Learning Theatre Centre” and is open to all. It would be held daily for a month from November 20 at 3/473 Vishal Khand-3, Gomti Nagar.
