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A celebration of theatre

THE GOLDEN DAYS ARE HERE: Prithvi Theatre Festival -2006 comes to the Capital in the first week of December.

It is a celebration that Prithviraj Kapoor would have approved of. He might have made history in Indian cinema, but theatre was his first love. And remembering him in his style is Prithvi Theatre Festival-2006, which is reviving his motto "Kala Desh Ki Seva Mein'', but in a modern context.

"We knew what `Kala Desh Ki Seva Mein' meant for him then. The country was going through a lot of turmoil. We wanted to find plays which responded to issues in the country,'' said Sanjna Kapoor at a press conference in the Capital on Thursday.

Planning a weekend of just plays for Delhiites in the first week of December, the festival this year will really give them a taste of the "Prithvi'' experience. From its loud and colourful "jaloos'' that takes theatre out of auditoriums to touch the lives of people, it will try to even recreate the carnival like atmosphere that exists at the theatre during festivals.

"We wanted people to know that theatre can be important, engaging but entertaining. There will be free platform performances, an exhibition on Prithiviraj and Prithvi Theatres, a bookshop where you can browse besides food. We basically want people to make Kamani Theatre their `adda','' she said.

The festival will have six productions this time. Three shows for two days, the festival might be just a "tiny" version of the Mumbai festival, but for a city starved of regular theatre shows, it is a treat.

Focusing on not just Hindi, there will be "Malabh and Ram Prahar'' in Marathi by a relatively new group from Pune, "Samanvay'', on December 2. Based on the writing of Vijay Tendulkar during the Babri Masjid riots, it is a two-part play. And as Sanjna promises, language will not be a problem.

There is also a real slice of "Gandhigiri" from the man who perhaps saw him closest -- Mahadev Desai, the Mahatma's very own secretary for long years. "Mahadevbhai" is based on the daily diary of Desai. Other plays showcased will be "Shambuk Vadh'', "Cotton 56, Polyester 84'', "Bhagavadajjukam'' and "Kharaashein''.

While the weekend of theatre might be some time away, those looking for a taste of the excitement of live productions don't need to wait.

There is "Festival of Theatre Films'' curated by documentary filmmaker Rahul Roy, which will take place this weekend at Max Mueller Bhavan. On view will be rare films from India and Germany; there will be a film on Brecht and even one on the Bhand community of performers in Kashmir. -- Mandira Nayar

-- Mandira Nayar

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