Lokmat News Network
Aditi Sharma
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
In a world where we can watch any movie with a single click on our phones, the theatre offers something different: a 'living dialogue.' There are no retakes, no 'cut' buttons. Whatever happens on stage unfolds right in front of the audience. Yet, as we celebrate World Theatre Day, the local drama scene in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is facing a tough climb.
Filmmaker and theatre veteran Kishor Belekar believes that theatre gives us the 'truth of the moment.' According to him, while OTT platforms are convenient and polished, they are mediated. Theatre, on the other hand, confronts the viewer directly. It involves a risk of failing right in front of you; which is exactly what makes it feel alive. While cinema audiences are shrinking due to high ticket prices and a lack of fresh stories, theatre audiences remain deeply loyal to good content.
However, the struggle in our city is real. Unlike a movie that is filmed once, a play needs a live crew, actors, and musicians every single time the curtain rises. This makes theatre resource-intensive, and without a steady crowd, it is hard to keep the productions running. Many artists observe that theatre is still often seen as a 'side pursuit' rather than a full-time career, making it harder to sustain local talent.
One of the biggest hurdles is the cost of performing. Jayant Shevtekar, ex-HOD of Dramatics in BAMU, emphasizes that theatre is not a dying art, it just needs economic support. He points out a glaring issue: hall rents in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are often much higher than in Mumbai or Pune. If a hall charges ₹25,000 to rent, producers are forced to hike ticket prices. He argues that a family of four cannot be expected to spend thousands of rupees for a single play and suggests that companies should use their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to support cultural upliftment.
There is still plenty of hope. A new generation is bringing fresh ideas to the stage. Young students still dream of acting, though many feel they must move to bigger cities to find a platform because local opportunities are shrinking.
As the curtain rises today, the message from the community is clear: theatre is not just a habit; it is an 'awareness.' The magic of the stage is still there; we just need to make sure the doors stay open so the next generation can find their voice.
(AI IMAGE)