No money for entertainment? This theatre group in Pune offers ‘watch and pay later’ option

The play’s next show is scheduled in Pune at Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha on November 19 at 9.30 pm. Though the cash crunch situation persists, the group decided to go ahead with the show purely on faith on the audience. And thus the invites.

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“The country is dealing with a crisis and one cannot keep arguing, complaining and blaming. Realising that in times like these entertainment is the last thing on the minds of people, we thought why not do something for them. I as an artiste, have received immense support from the audience in the past and it was my turn to show faith in them. I know they are cultured and educated and will not dupe me; I have full faith in my audience,” producer of the play, Sunil Barve, explained.

He added that considering not everyone who comes to watch a play is well-versed with online booking and payment by credit card, the production house decided to give audience the option of ‘watch the play and pay later’.

Barve stresses, “Theatre is my passion and if audience is coming and watching my play, I am satisfied. Rest all is secondary.”

The two-act commercial play Amar Photo Studio opened on August 13. The cast includes Sakhi Gokhale, Pooja Thombare, Amey Wagh and Suvrat Joshi.

Nipun Dharmadhikari, the director of the play, admits that demonetisation has badly effected art and culture industry.

“As artistes, we do understand that people are left with limited cash and no one would like to spend it on watching a play. It wasn’t feasible to wait for future theatre slots to showcase the play. On good faith, we will allow those who are unable to pay in cash, to watch the play and pay later. We will be writing down names and numbers of each audience member,” he said.