When coronavirus takes centre stage
The world of theatre has taken a pause and is struggling in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. As March 27 marks the occasion of World Theatre Day, prominent theatre personalities talk about the impact of Covid-19 on the industry and their memories of performing on stage.
Theatre director and actor Manav Kaul, with a heavy heart, says, “It is sad and unfortunate that on World Theatre Day, there will be no theatre anywhere in the world.” He also reveals his play was scheduled to open in Mumbai on March 17 but was cancelled due to the shutdown. Kaul adds, “This is the need of the hour. I’ve been rehearsing rigorously for four months. I even gave a break to my acting jobs for this.”
Many actors unanimously agree that taking appropriate preventive measures during such critical crisis should be the topmost priority. Film and theatre actor Deepak Dobriyal says that it has not only impacted Indian film and theatre industry but also wreaked havoc in numerous professional worlds as well. He says, “The entire country is in the same situation. Whether it’s theatre or any other profession, every individual needs NOC from coronavirus. Only then will everyone be able to perform.”
Talking about the idea of presenting archived theatre shows on digital media platforms, actor Pankaj Tripathi says, “I saw that the members of the music fraternity are doing digital concerts on social media. Mujhe lagta hai rangmanch mein bhi log thoda bohot aise karenge. But ye medium toh nahi hai aisa. Woh toh live medium hai. But for now, our primary concern is health, whether it’s an artiste or general public. So, our complete focus should be on that. Rangmach Diwas toh har