Theatre is not confined to space. Theatre is moving beyond the auditorium. Street Plays, Supper Theatre and Coffee Shop Theatre are fast becoming popular in Mumbai. Each kind of theatre is performed for several reasons.Street Plays usually have a mass appeal. They have a social message to give out. In some instances, these plays aim at promoting peace and communal harmony in the city. Several street plays were staged at the world social forum where the message was loud and clear, where each play had something to say. Such forms of thinking theatre seem to shake us out of our daily routines and give a second thought to issues that need to be voiced. Theatre is being re-invented. And the bug seems to have bitten everyone, even people who seem indifferent to theatre. But this indifference is turning to interest with coffee shop theatre making it�s presence felt. In various coffee shops like Barista and Mocha, plays have been staged that have been widely applauded. Director Freddy Feroz�s play �Arrivals And Departures� was performed at Mocha as a part of the Cuban fesival. With no props and minimal lighting, such plays are proving their worth. Amateur theatre group, �The Manna Makers� have staged several plays at Barista which include short, 10 minute witty plays like �Sure Thing� by David Ives.

Says Shriti Khandewal of the Manna Makers � the aim of Coffee shop theatre is to promote theatre in a small yet effective way by bringing drama to coffee cups and also to serve as a platform for talent�. Having watched such plays, the elitist image of theatre is finally breaking. Supper theatre seems to go well with good food and a few drinks. Several plays have been staged across various eateries in Mumbai. Writer Anil Dharker claims� "I really think supper theatre is a good concept especially when you get this kind of serious plays to watch. In Bombay you see a lot of comedies but when you see a play done so well in an atmosphere like this, it's nice!" Plays by The Company Theatre have also been performed at eateries like Out Of The Blue, which have been extremely successful. More and more people are doing theatre that takes them beyond the auditorium. Low cost may be the reason for such kind of experimentation. But to lure the common man has never been an easy task. Good theatre can now be enjoyed almost anywhere!