 “ Theatre as a form of art is one big party where everyone gets addicted and hung over for life. What better than the Prithvi Carnival to remind us of our indulgences,” says Satchit Puranik. And we quite agree with actor, director, playwright and Prithvi lover.
Since its inception Prithvi has been monumental in bringing Mumbai’s theatre activities out of elitist environs and making them accessible and egalitarian. Chai and Why discussions, workshops for children, PEN sessions, Caferati, Thespo and daily shows; everything at Prithvi is a celebration of sorts. On the 27 of February, these celebrations take the form of an explosive Carnival stuffed up with back to back short plays, a film screening, the yearbook launch, platform performances and more.
Festooning the Carnival is Cinematograph’s “King Lear”- Atul Kumar’s rendition of the Shakespearean character through the eyes and the heart of a clown; a film screening- Satyadev Dubey’s adaptation of Vijay Tendulkar’s “Shantata Court Chalu Ahe”; Sarita Joshi’s “Jhalak” about her journey from early Gujarati Bhangwadi theatre to contemporary theatre; Manoj Shah’s “Firewall”- ruminations of strangers on a journey of self-discovery; adaptations of Arthur Miller and Neil Simon; as well as several freshly churned short pieces centred around present day dilemmas.
As the Carnival takes centre stage, Sanjna Kapoor (Director of Prithvi) charms you with her enthusiasm. “The excitement is mounting as the Carnival approaches. The thrill of celebrating with your own community is wonderful!” The idea of the Carnival is taken in all too voraciously by the theatrewallas. “It is a brilliant idea. People from theatre will meet and connect as well as watch each other’s plays. Sanjna is the soul of Prithvi and this is portrayed again through her Carnival idea. I wish more people had her drive to promote theatre,” says Trishla Patel an actor, director, producer and playwright.
While most are enthused about the idea, few chide about the disturbances that usually occur during everyday performances. Director and playwright Satchit Puranik who will be seen in “Firewall” directed by Manoj Shah and “Bahaaron ka Guldasta” by Puja Sarup says, “I am keen to see how everyone utilizes their fifteen minutes, and thankfully, the chances of a phone ringing during performance are exponentially minimal given the crisp time-limit.”
Today seems to be an interesting theme for the Carnival and its plays. Actor and director Makrand Deshpande speaks “I will be presenting my piece titled ‘Auction’. Earlier an auction would mean trading what was old, but now that which is new, is auctioned. The piece is about change and it goes well with the Carnival” Is he a bundle of nerves, anxious of what the critics will say? Is he worried of the audience and fellow artists’ response? “The Carnival is about coming together and celebrating, without judging or taking a stance. There will be no test of theatre at the Carnival, just all of us enjoying each other’s work. There is a celebratory spirit at Prithvi already, rehearsal interspersed by buffet lunches- it is eating together that brings us all even closer.” Deshpande says.
Does everything change though? Or just our perception of it? The short play by Trishla Patel ‘Same Same but...Different’ might throw light on this. Patel divulges “It is about how everything has changed yet some things will not-like emotions. So it doesn’t matter whether it’s today or tomorrow certain things always remain the same. That’s how we are made. I am using live singing throughout the play and have a band called ‘Translucent’ playing for us” Actor Swati Das is also excited about the Carnival. “I play Fatima in Sunil Shanbag’s “The Perfect Man”, the story of a brief romantic encounter between individuals over the internet. The reclusive Fatima lets her feisty and spontaneous side slip out in the virtual world. This will be my first performance at Prithvi", she adds.
“And of course an integral part of our community is our audience who we hope will heed the great saint Prithvi Baba's prophesy that India will win the World Cup only if Indians abstain from watching TV on Sunday the 27th!” a charismatic Sanjna Kapoor mischievously exhorts.
Of course we do echo her sentiments.
Asma Ladha
Asma holds a Master's Degree in English Literature and Applied Linguistics. She is an applied linguist, lecturer, freelance critic, research student and poet.
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