The elitist image of theatre is finally breaking. No more does it cater to the fancies of a particular section of society, who are too intellectual to settle for anything less. Neither is theatre seen as �time pass�, as a layman�s lingo would claim. It is here to entertain, and speak. All genres of drama are remarkably successful in their own style. The aim is not to startle viewers out of their existence, but to awaken them to a new form of entertainment. We often find theatre-raising questions in the social, political and cultural context that need to be answered. Incorporating the idea of a free society, theatre is doing just that .It is breaking all language barriers, all caste and cultural barriers. Words are no more needed to understand the simple functioning of life, nor are they necessarily needed to unravel the complexities of the perplexed mind. Take for example, � Dayashankar Ki Diary�, a Hindi play that I was fortunate enough to see some time back. Fortunate, because I saw Ashish Vidyarthi perform in person. And you cannot ignore talent like that. What was really fascinating was the body language. How simple actions conveyed the essence of the play. As we all know, there are no retakes in theatre.


Theatre is by and large, for actors, who consider acting as a passion. Not as a platform to perform some stint, and if it doesn�t work out, try elsewhere. It is the ultimate place where an individual is judged for his acting. Not only by the audience, but also by his own standards. Theatre takes a serious role in doing what not many movies have been able to do so far. It has a social and moral role. A form of art that has its responsibilities. Most plays have a universal context, be it a Jean Paul Sartre play, a Khalil Gibran play or a Manto play. We begin to understand things in a different perspective. Firstly because theatre is more communicative. As an audience, we begin to see what transpires on stage. Details are paid attention to. Not always are the sets and costumes extravagant, nonetheless the feeling is conveyed.

Theatre has developed in Mumbai over the years. The concept of theatre is changing as it is becoming more, participative and educative. With amateur theatre booming, youngsters feel more encouraged to take their talent beyond the school stage and college auditorium. Theatre is essentially, for the people, of the people and by the people. Theatre is also fast becoming a career option for the younger generation, as it provides them with a platform and it just doesn�t restrict itself to youngsters, but to everyone who knows his part�. irrespective of good looks, big name, and big money. After all, all the world is a stage, where every man must play his part�