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Launched: A festival and a book

PHOTOS: R.RAGU

Mr. N. Ravi presents the first copy of "Bring Down the House Lights" to S. Muthiah. P.C. Ramakrishna looks on

"For The Hindu, this festival is a change from cold type and hard copy to the magical charm of theatre," said N. Ravi, Editor of The Hindu. Welcoming a gathering at the launch party of The Hindu MetroPlus Theatre Festival, he said that the festival of English theatre "reflects The Hindu's own publishing history in English."

Describing the festival as the only one of its kind for English theatre in the country, Mr. Ravi said the response to the first edition of the Festival last year "emboldened us to venture into this one."

Mark Waite (second from left) and Samantha Scott-Blackhall (third from left) with members of Singapore's Escape Theatre

At the event, which was held at The Park and attended by actors, directors and those who support theatre, Mr. Ravi launched the book, Bring Down the House Lights — 50 years of The Madras Players. Written and compiled by well-known theatre personality, P.C. Ramakrishna, the first copy of the book was received by historian S. Muthiah.

Mr. Ravi said the book "provides a slice of the cultural history of Chennai, a slice that is at once amazing for its variety and depth... . (it) shows what a group of extremely talented and diverse amateurs united by nothing but their love of theatre has given to the city."

A section of the audience listening to the speeches

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ramakrishna said the book was a limited edition released to commemorate 50 years of The Madras Players and has contributions from well-known theatre personalities associated with the group such as playwright Girish Karnad (who has written a foreword). "The book will be given to theatre groups across the country, major libraries and the media," he said.

The party in full swing

Mr. S. Muthiah spoke about the history of theatre in Chennai, stating that Tamil theatre, such as Koothu and Nadagam, has been around for thousands of years, though it was not organised. English theatre in its structured form dates back to 1778 when the first playhouse was built where the current Army headquarters is. He appealed to the theatre community to campaign for the restoration of the beautiful Victoria Public Hall, once a major theatre space, also used for oratory and ballroom dancing.

Going through "Bring Down the House Lights"

Mark Waite, Artistic Director of Escape Theatre, which will be opening the Festival, said he is thrilled to be participating as the festival's first international group, adding with a laugh that while The Madras Players is celebrating its 50th anniversary, Escape is only 5 years old.

The festival is presented by Bose.

Associate sponsors are Airtel and HSBC Bank. Lifestyle Associate: Royal Challenge Golf Accessories. Travel partner: Jet Airways. Hospitality partner: The Park, Chennai. Beverage partner: Bisleri. Logistics partner: Evam.

SUSAN MUTHALALY

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