New age experimental plays are gaining popularity in the city, known for being a cultural hub.
Theatre has been an integral part of Pune. While earlier it was commercial theatre which ruled the roost, a number of theatre groups broke the mould with the new age experimental theatre in the last few decades.
Maharashtra Cultural Centre (MCC) is one such place where theatre for change is given immense importance.
This public charitable trust established in 1965, is a non-profit making organisation devoted to the promotion of performing arts mainly drama, music and dance.
Ravindra and Shubhangi Damle, who are chief coordinator and secretary respectively of MCC, have taken an initiative in creating a platform for amateur theatre groups in the form of Sudarshan Rangmanch.
MCC has produced many experimental plays like Final Draft, Makadachya Hati Champagne and more than 3,000 shows of Grips plays.
“Sudarshan Rangmanch was created especially to give space to amateur theatre groups. It is also a rehearsal hall, art gallery and has accommodation for outstation groups. That’s why we call it a cultural lab. We also conduct workshops and organise theatre festivals,” Ravindra said.
The theatrical scene has benefited Samanvay, another experimental theatre group which was started by theatre actor and director Sandesh Kulkarni, 14 years ago.
It has produced many critically acclaimed plays such as Ramprahar, Lose Control, Malabh and Sonata.
But one theatre group that has been like a breath of fresh air for the young theatre enthusiasts is Aasakta.
It was started in 2003 by a bunch of young theatre lovers like Mohit Takalkar, Sagar Deshmukh, Varun Narvekar, Mahesh Limaye and Abhijeet Deshpande, who broke apart from the PDA (Progressive Dramatic Association) as they found it to be conservative.
Aasakta has produced plays such as Tu, Charshe Koti Visarbhole, Garbo, Bed Ke Neeche Rehenewali, Tichi Satara Prakarne etc.
Ashish Mehta, manager of Aasakta, says, “In last seven years, Aasakta has produced 15 full length plays and 6 one-act plays. The plays have been performed all over the country.”
Another active theatre group that has been giving Puneites food for thought is the Natak Company that has been formed with a view to staging plays which are honest. Some of their popular plays are Geli 21 Varsha, Tidha and Sutti Butti.
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