Word comes from Satish Alekar in Pune that regular shows of professional Marathi plays have commenced. He says, "Prashant Damle a very senior singer-actor announced three shows of his popular comedy plays EKA LAGNACHI TEESARI GOSHT and all the three shows in Pune, at Yeshwantrao Natya Gruha and Balgandharva Rang Mandir. were full with the house at 50% capacity due to pandemic restrictions."
A revival of MAHANIRVAN by Natak Company, a classic written by Alekar, first staged in 1974 by Theatre Academy, Pune, is also almost full at a theatre space, The Box, with entry only to the first 75 patrons.
Close to Mumbai, audiences flocked to Acharya Atre Natya Rangmandir in Kalyan to watch TU MHANSHIL TASA and SANT TUKARAM. The rule of 50% capacity was followed along with temperature checks and sanitisation. Marathi theatre lovers can't be kept away from auditoriums when the lockdown is relaxed. This enthusiasm must come as a relief to theatre workers and auditorium staff.
