Terra firma

Labelling Purushottam Karandak a competition is like underestimating the immense contribution that it has given to Marathi theatre. The correct word to describe Purushottam would be a movement that has not only become an irreplaceable part of the college life,but played major role in creating theatre personalities who went on to change the fate of the Marathi theatre. “Acting,direction and script are the basic pillars of theatre and whatever the trends,these three aspects remain unchanged. Experimental drama is difficult on commercial stage. We provide these budding artistes,a stage where they can experiment with theatre,” says Rajendra Thakur- Desai,member,Maharashtra Kalopasak. .

With nine out of 45 performances over,the organisers stress on the importance of depicting social issues through the stage that they’ve provided. “All we expect is that the students should display creativity and social commitment in their plays. While the newly enrolled teams prefer to go the traditional way,creativity is seen in teams that have been participating for over three-four years,” adds Vaidya.

Pranav Joshi is a second year B Com student of the Modern College and talking about their play- Masterpiece,he says,“Innovative thinking and Purushottam go hand in hand. This time we did a play which is about a woman going to a painter and asking him to draw the painting of a heart-broken woman for her daughter,to repel her from falling in love. The painting that comes out is that of her daughter who has in the woman’s absence committed suicide due to heart break.”

Another interesting play that was presented on Sunday by Cummins College was Rikib and Rutuja Kshirsagar. Final year engineering student of the Cummins College says,“It was during the performances here that I realised I could act. This is the platform for all those who want to make a career out of theatre.”

While the students deliver their best,the experienced organisers as well understand their participants thoroughly. “We had sold all the passes but it has been a low turn-out because of Swine Flu. The performances still are impeccable. The social commitment of these students is remarkable. And for all you know,Swine Flu might just be another topic,they will come up with a play for the next year,” smiles Vaidya.