Wordsmith on Trial

Writer and activist Vinay Hardikar,also the founder of Shakespeare for All,will stand in the accused box as Shakespeare and face questions and criticism from other characters in the plot and effectively answer them.

Touching upon the eternal themes of Shakespeare like love,ambition,power and the fickleness of society,the programme will bring out his relevance in today’s world. “Of course Shakespeare is relevant,” says Hardikar. “But it has been my contention for the last 20 years that Shakespeare should not be exposed academically. Students should present and perform Shakespeare. What we have been doing is introducing his works in school and college curricula. Instead,Shakespeare should be brought to life for students,only then will they like and understand his works better,” he stresses.

Hardikar started celebrating Shakespeare Day in 2000. This is the thirteenth consecutive year and the programme will be in English. Hardikar has no inkling of the accusations and criticisms that will come his way as he stands in ‘court’. “I’m not aware of the questionnaire. I want it to be a surprise and not a rehearsed programme,” he says.

The evening is meant for anyone “who is interested in theatre,Shakespeare and life,” says Hardikar. “Plus,language is no bar. If someone from the audience wants to pose a question in Marathi,Hindi,Gujarati or even Kannada and Sanskrit,he/she is free to do so. Shakespeare speaks through his characters and plots; he has his own language,” Hardikar adds.

This is the first time that ELITIS has partnered for the event. “I hope that it will interest not only students and teachers but anyone who is interested in theatre and fine arts,and of course,in Shakespeare and his works,” says Shirish Sahasrabudhe,director of ELTIS.

(William Shakespeare Haazir Ho will be held at the Symbiosis Vishwabhavan Auditorium at 6.30 pm and is free for all)