Photos: Open-air theatre performances in Kolkata adapt to Covid-19

Theatre performances have returned to Kolkata’s open air venues as part of Unlock 4 guidelines and relaxations during the coronavirus pandemic. After over five months of suspension, audiences will now be able to attend performances at outdoor venues in the city. Among the first up for show is the Purba Pashchim theatre group’s ‘Jwarasur Badh’ which transposes contemporary elements such as face masks and vaccination to the mythological tale of the ‘fever demon’ and its defeat at the hands of the Hindu deities Durga and Shiva. The play runs September 21 and 22 at the EZCC’s open air theatre.

Updated on: Sep 22, 2020 6:11 PM IST

Lifestyle

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 22, 2020 6:11 PM

The Purba Paschim theatre group rehearses their play, ‘Jwarasur Badh’ at Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) in Kolkata on September 20. After a pause of over five months due to the nationwide lockdown in March, open air performances made a comeback in Kolkata on September 21 under Unlock 4 guidelines, with ‘Jwarasur Badh’ among the first performances at EZCC amid Covid-19. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

2/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 22, 2020 6:11 PM

A scene from the Purba Paschim theatre group's final dress rehearsals for 'Jwarasur Badh' at EZCC in Kolkata on September 20. Scripted by Ujjwal Chattopadhyay, the play adapts the mythological tale of the Hindu deities Durga and Shiva defeating the demon Jwarasur to modern times with the coronavirus portrayed as the prevalent threat over mankind. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

3/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 22, 2020 6:11 PM

An actor portrays the play’s eponymous demon Jwarasur, during final dress rehearsals at EZCC in Kolkata on September 20. The title ‘Jwarasur Badh’ translates to ‘the slaying of the fever demon’. Jwarasur is considered the demon associated with fevers in mythology. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

4/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 22, 2020 6:11 PM

Purba Paschim theatre group actors seen between rehearsals at EZCC on September 20. Keeping in mind prevailing conditions, the play lays emphasis on the use of facial coverings and the ensemble’s costumes also employ printed face masks to suit their characters. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

5/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 22, 2020 6:11 PM

Director Soumitra Mitra with the play’s cast during final dress rehearsals on September 20. Adaptations to Covid-19 also extend to the audience. The seating arrangements have been limited to 100 people to ensure social distancing in the EZCC’s grounds. Ticket sales have also been restricted to online platforms. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

6/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 22, 2020 6:11 PM

Actors rehearse a scene at EZCC in Kolkata on September 20. The play’s structure has been modified to ensure social distancing and Covid-19 guidelines can also be maintained on stage. The proscenium, costumes and props used are sanitized before each performance. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

7/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 22, 2020 6:11 PM

The production supplements its mythology with the use of contemporary elements like masks, sanitization and an eventual vaccine as the end of the demon Jwarasur. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

8/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 22, 2020 6:11 PM

An actor portrays the Hindu deity Durga (C) in a scene from the Purbo Paschim theatre group's ‘Jwarasur Badh' at EZCC in Kolkata on September 20. The play is being staged between September 21-22 at the EZCC’s Oikyotan Prangan in Salt Lake City, Kolkata. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)