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ShareMumbai: There is some hope for the many theatre groups across India, especially those coming from small towns, facing acute financial crisis. Prithvi Theatre is planning to make its annual festival a platform to assimilate good- will and contributions, dedicating them to certain aspects of theatre.
At this year's festival, the theatre has decided to organise a fundraiser for Naya Theatre from Bhopal that was founded by the late director and actor Habib Tanvir. Recently, members of Naya Theatre had told After Hrs how the group was grappling with acute financial crisis leading to the inability to rent rehearsal spaces.
Sanjna Kapur, who has earlier played host to Tanvir's plays in Mumbai, says, "It is a fact that they have financial constraints. We are paying a tribute to these actors who have given us years of delight and theatrical magic." However, she does not hesitate to add, "We are not bailing anyone out of troubled waters."
Sanjana has fond memories of Naya Theatre performing in the city in 2004. She says, "In 2004, the response to Naya's productions was overwhelming. A younger generation in Mumbai got to see and experience first hand this company that changed the face of Indian theatre. The most thrilling aspect was the fact of having a full house at the technical rehearsals of Agra Bazar."
Given the theatre group's popularity in the city, naturally another production from Naya Thetare found its way into Prithvi's annual theatre festival this year. Sanjna points out, "It seemed natural for us to say thank you and goodbye to Habib saab. And what better way than with his signature production Charandas Chor."
Sanjna has chalked out the plans by which contributions will be collected -- through retailing calendars and yearbooks. She explains, "Apart from this, we give an opportunity to donate whatever contributions people may like to make."
