Another Comedy of Errors

Pointing out that not everyone has a sense of humour,the director adds that in theatre,it’s not only the writer who is responsible for a great comedy,but also the actors,who can do so using the situations to advantage. “The lack of original scripts in Hindi makes the work of directors a huge challenge and comedies are a rarity. It’s the biggest challenge. Whenever we think of staging a new play,we start thinking of a script that would appeal to a large audience. Our actors and production managers have sleepless nights. The last original script in Hindi that got a smile on our faces was Sharad Joshi’s Ek Tha Gadha. The reason is precisely why this play is inspired by an English play,Never Too Late,’’ adds Omkatare.

Actor Damini Kanwal,who has been with the group for the 21 years,says Hadh Kar Di Aapne never appears stale to the audience,as they perform with gusto and the play is never staged without serious rehearsals. “There is a freshness,novelty and improvisation that makes the play such a hit,’’ adds Kanwal.

The director,who has written five plays exclusively for children,hopes to bring the repertory to Chandigarh at a children’s festival. The productions have scripts dealing with contemporary issues that children face — from pressures of academics to relationship with parents,dreams and realities to a fantasy production. “Our play Chandu Ki Chachi has completed more than 100 shows and is much-loved by children. In our children’s productions,we have the actors of Yatri performing the role of children. Parents also accompany their children,” says Omkatare. The productions,smiles Damini,are action-oriented,carry subtle messages,incorporate dance and music and involve children. “Sadly,it’s only in Mumbai and at Prithvi that children’s theatre is getting a boost,we need more such platforms in other parts of the country,for it’s today’s children who will be the theatre audience of tomorrow,’’ says Omkatare.