New Beginnings in Professional Gujarati Theatre...Premiere of Saumya Joshi's WELCOME ZINDAGI...
May 13, 2010 12:00:00 AM IST Jyoti Vyas
Mumbai city has been the hub for Gujarati Theatre and the astounding business it generates. Hundreds of artistes on and off the stage, including ancillary staff like the man who irons the cloths for the actors before each show, can make a decent livelihood. Earlier Gujarati theatre directors had their committed audiences and were known for their distinct creations. With their exit and a new emerging audience, more lighter and farcical plays started gaining popularity through daily sold out shows for entertainment seeking masses.
But yet again there is something new, something different taking place in Gujarati Theatre and producers are encouraging experiments. In recent times, plays like KANJEE VIRUDH KANJEE and SAAT TARI EKVEES have stirred Gujarati audiences. Although not profound, this is definitely a step forward in the direction of relevant Gujarati Theatre.
Khelaiya, a veteran Gujarati theatre group of Mumbai brings Saumya Joshi'sWELCOME ZINDAGI to the commercial Gujarati stage. The Ahemdabad based Saumya Joshi has been proving to be one of the few and rare people to watch out for in the contemporary Gujarati theatre scene. A Professor Of English, Saumya, who is also a talented poet has written and directed plays like DOST, CHOKKAS AHIN NAGAR VASATUN HATUN and AATHMA TARA NU AAKASH - both of which were received very well in Mumbai.
This Mumbai-Ahmemdabad collaboration spells a new and a good beginning for Gujarati Theatre. Watch the play open on 16th May at Tejpal Hall, Gowalia Tank, Mumbai at 7:45 pm.