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THE PRODUCER'S TAKE
With director Shuktara Lal in London, producer Tathagata Chowdhury, himself a play scriptwriter and actor, is in charge of the "Goa" team . Why choose a play which is simple in content yet difficult in performance?
(Smiling) Because it's simple and difficult. Honestly speaking, I was against it, I felt the play had too many loose strings. Stage Right shows international disputes, while Stage Left has a family scene. It's not easy to establish their interconnection. When Shuktara began to shape the play I realised that my fears were groundless.
Goa's merging with India threw up singular issues. Are they relevant now?
The play questions concepts of nationality and independence. Who decides which region belongs to what country? Men in power? Circumstances? Geographical convenience? Or the will of the people themselves? These questions are as relevant to Manipur or Kashmir today.
What was the biggest challenge for you as producer?
To create the sets for two separate levels of action. We use complex computerized painted backdrops to do that. For the actors too, the kind of performance the play demands is not easy. They must establish what's happening in the intimate family circle, and make that echo in what's happening to the whole region. Then they must give it national and universal overtones.
Theatrecian is a company of young people. How did you come together?
We moved from college plays to form a professional repertory, hoping to make a decent living out of theatre. It's a democratic set up. Anyone who feels strongly about a play starts doing it. I'm trying to Indianise Albee's "Zoo Story," our next project.
How well is English theatre doing in Kolkata? Good audiences? Sponsorship?
Sponsorship has never been strong in Kolkata even for the immensely popular Bengali mainstream theatre. But this has not deterred producers in English theatre. The audience for English theatre is restricted. But Theatrecian has enthused many more college groups to launch repertories. We're an adventurous lot, exploring small, alternative venues, where 15-20 people make a full house for ten shows through the week. Enthusiasm is high. From one or two new plays in a year, Kolkata has moved up to a new play every month.
On August 13, 7.15 p.m., The Music Academy
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