Playing on the Street

Take the case of 25-year-old Chakresh. The post-graduate in theatre from Department of Indian Theatre,Panjab University,who established his theatre group Alankar three years ago,is currently busy researching on the upcoming festival. While he is looking forward to presenting his street theatre production Koshish Zari Hai,the medium is not new to him. Every Friday he presents a play near Neelam Theatre,Sector 17,where he enjoys interacting with a different audience every week. “It’s a fantastic medium to reach out to people and convey your point and the production costs are low,as compared to presenting a play on stage. Moreover,on the street you share your thoughts and feels with the audience and get instant feedback,’’ says Chakresh,who works with subjects that are relevant to the common man. “We don’t want to give solutions,we just show them the bigger picture,it’s up to the people to choose the way,’’ says Chakresh.

Back from participating in a clowning workshop in Denmark,Gaurav Sharma has no formal training in theatre,but it has been an integral part of his life for years. “Ek hi pesha hai mera (I just have one profession),” smiles Sharma,who is staging Dulha Bikta Hai,a play based on dowry problems.

Taking a lighter view of serious situations,Sharma feels that comedy is the simplest way to reach out to both the rural and urban audiences. A second-year student of law,the 23-year-old stages plays both in India and abroad,and claims to have developed a relationship with different audiences through street plays. “It gives you the freedom to use your body,mind and soul,” says Sharma.

Vijay Machal of Mask Theatre,meanwhile,constantly strives to involve the common man in theatre that is “of,by and for the people”. He is often seen collecting raddi from people to design envelopes for contributions that are directed towards theatre. He feels that the dialogue that takes place helps arouse interest in street theatre. “There is an energy,a connect and we gather so much attention. For theatre groups that don’t have funds,it’s the best way to keep the flame burning,” says Machal,who is rehearsing for the production Balti Singh,that urges people to save water.