Prithvi Theatre Festival 2008�In Honour of Satyadev Dubey�
Jyoti Vyas
A much awaited theatre event in Mumbai is the annual Prithvi Theatre Festival. This festival has a rich history and is more than twenty-five years old. One of the unique aspects of this festival is that it weaves itself around different themes each year. If last year the festival showcased Musicals from Mumbai in different languages, this year's festival is a tribute to Satyadev Dubey.
On 23rd October, the press-meet at Prithvi felt like an impromtu affair with Dubey's improvised and provocative rhetoric. Preceding it was an enjoyable tableau and brief, ritualistic introductions. But Mr. Dubey's long presence was less of an insight into the upcoming festival and more of a Dubey on Dubey act, interspersed with a few comments by some of the actors and the directors participating in this festival. The festival will showcase some recent productions that have been Dubey's favourites and will include two productions that have been directed by him.
Apart from the select plays and daily platform performances, there is a film screening of Tendulkar's SHANTATA! COURT CHAALU AAHE that Dubey had directed in the seventies. One of the other highlights of the festival is an exhibition on Dubey himself. This exhibition will be open throughout the festival. The festival will begin on 6th November and will run till 25th November 2008. Dubey has been closely involved with the theatre for more than five decades and continues to attract artistes young and old and it is obvious that while he can be adored or abhorred, he can't be ignored!
Click here for a detailed schedule of the festival.
Schedule for the Prithvi Festival 2008:
PLAYS
FILM SCREENING
Vijay Tendulkar's Shantata! Court Chalu Ahe, directed by Satyadev Dubey Sun 16 November, 11 am, Prithvi Theatre. Entry Free.
THEATRE EXHIBITION
Theatre Ke Anokhe Dubey Fri 7 to Sun 16 November, 10 am to 7 pm, Horniman Circle Garden. Entry Free.
