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Passionate playwright
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Theatre S.Varadharajen has no qualms about the onslaught of visual media
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Photo: M. Moorthy
Active: Varadharajen serious about serial making
DECLINE OF theatre in any region is often attributed to the onslaught of the visual media. But nobody really gives a thought to how audiences can be won back to this art form, once so very popular among the masses.
With almost 25 years of experience in the field of theatre and visual media, S. Varadharajen, who runs the United Visuals drama troupe, shared his thoughts on the issue during a recent chat.
A newsreader on Doordarshan's national channel, Mr.Varadharajen always had a live interest in theatre. In 1976, he first stepped on stage as an amateur artiste.
"Even today we have more amateur talents onstage than professionals. Most dramatists are on the dais for the appreciation than for money. They are not dependent on theatre for their livelihood, as the situation was earlier," he says.
"It does not matter if one is a professional or an amateur. What matters is the audiences' appreciation. They are used to a particular type of drama and we have to cater to their tastes," he feels.
Varadharajen is also aware that theatre has to evolve to win people's appreciation. However, being innovative has its limitations too.
"A dramatist writes a script and directs it keeping in mind the ideal stage conditions. But often we have to stage dramas in marriage halls or platforms, where there are no facilities," he justifies. As a result, most dramas are dialogue-oriented focusing on voice modulation. There is less use of expression or body language.
Varadharajen also feels the theatre scenario in Tamil Nadu has not really undergone much change. Social plays never picked up much and political satires are always identified with people like Cho Ramaswamy. He does not blame the visual media for weaning away crowds from the theatre. "In earlier days, dramas were staged in areas theatre lovers were more in number."
"But now dramas are mostly staged in auditoriums which are all located in the heart of the cities and much away from where the real drama lovers live," he explains.
But how can dramatists be more innovative? He points out to the system of `sabhas' that prepare a `readymade audience' for the dramatists.
People patronise the Sabhas more than the dramas and the dramatist often finds himself bound to cater to the audience, mostly middle class.
Varadharajen's own plays, such as `Mega serial,' `Aasaikkum aasthikkum,' `LKG Aasai,' all had middle class themes.
His passion is more for theatre than for serial making, though he has tasted success in both fields.
`Manaivi' and `Oru kaadhal kadai' are already popular among TV audiences. He asserts the need to promote and popularise theatre by setting up good auditoriums in all district headquarters.
Corporate houses can patronize this art form by sponsoring the shows or meeting the cost of staging.
"Cine artistes nowadays have no experience in theatre. They should take a little time off and be onstage," he suggests.
But much of theatre's success also lies with the people.
They too have to get into the habit of buying tickets to watch dramas.
Or else evolution of theatre will be stunted.
PRATHIBA PARAMESWARAN
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Pondicherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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