Street theatre hit, artistes take up odd jobs to eke out a living

ARTISTES WHO ONCE PERFORMED PLAYS WITH A STRONG SOCIAL, POLITICAL MESSAGE ARE WORKING AS FARM HANDS, LABOURERS

SANGRUR: With ban on public gatherings continuing with no relief in sight, stalwarts of street theatre in Punjab have had to take up odd jobs to eke out a living.

The artistes who once performed street plays with a strong political or social message have fallen on hard times.

25-year-old Balwinder Changaliwala, who is associated with the People’s Theatre, Lehragaga led by Punjabi actor Samuel John, has sought work under the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

In the paddy season he had also undertaken grunt work in the fields.

“Our plays had strong and pertinent messages for society. I found my job very rewarding. The flexible hours allowed me time to study,” says Balwinder, who is pursuing a master in arts degree in Punjabi at SUS Government College, Sunam.

Satpal Bangan, who runs People’s Art, a Patiala-based theatre group of 10 -12 members, says that the lockdown and the Covid-19 pandemic had forced his team members to take up odd jobs despite being well-qualified.

“Most of our members hold bachelor of education (BEd), teacher eligibility test, and master of philosophy (MPhil) degrees,” says Bangan.

“The Covid-19 crisis has not just affected our finances but has also taken a toll on our mental health,” he said.

Theatre artiste Samuel John says, “Street plays are directly linked to the people. However, when an artiste has to stay away from his audience, the gap affects performers psychologically.”

Harwinder Diwana, who runs the Chetna Kala Kender Barnala theatre group, said, “Undoubtedly, some members of my team are going through a financial crisis.” “However, when an artiste works for the society, people come forward to help them. I, too, was offered help during the pandemic,” said Diwana.