Return of the Native

With Yayawar,an old and forgotten,albeit colourful tradition of mobile theatre has been renewed. The effort,asserts Kapoor,is to take theatre to the people’s doorstep and “through the magic” address an audience and give them a chance to connect with the unique art. “The success of earlier Parsi theatre companies is a fine example of this concept and with Yayawar theatre,we will reach every corner of the country and create new audiences,” says Kapoor,who also wrote the dialogues for the 80’s hit — Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron and directed the recent Rishi Kapoor-starrer Chintu Ji. The impact of mobile theatre,points out Kapoor,has been tremendous,with co-existence and togetherness being the hallmark of this tradition. “I chose plays with which we could travel easily,subjects which a wide audience could connect with and create an experience that is exhilarating,” says the thespian.

Interestingly,one of his teachers in college encouraged Kapoor to follow his heart and be on the centrestage. “He told me ‘you are studying on the ground of life,why would you leave it’,” reminisces Kapoor,who soon made his way into NSD. In the past he’s directed some memorable productions like Begum Ka Takiya,Ek Ruka Hua Faisla,Ek Mamuli Aadmi and Court Martial to list a few. Kapoor adds that working and reworking a script,till it’s perfect for stage — be it from a story,play or novel — is paramount. “I learnt from the best — Ebrahim Alkazi and Habib Tanvir,two opposite practitioners of theatre,and it’s their art and craft that my theatre amalgamates. I am the greatest survivor,” admits Kapoor.

Choosing to do realistic plays,which he admits are the toughest,the director follows no form of theatre,always striving for flexibility in his productions. “A play has to say something,must be entertaining and be value for money for the audience,” reflects the writer and director. After 35 years in theatre,he says with much pride,“When people come to watch my plays,they know their money won’t be wasted.”