Located in the heart of Mumbai's Juhu suburb, Prithvi Theatre stands as a symbol of India’s modern theatre movement and continues to be one of the most iconic cultural spaces in the country. Known for its intimate setup and dedication to performing arts, Prithvi Theatre Mumbai has been a nurturing ground for actors, writers, and directors for decades.
Origins and Founders
The roots of Prithvi Theatre trace back to Prithviraj Kapoor, a pioneer of Indian theatre and cinema. He founded Prithvi Theatres in 1944 as a travelling theatre company. His dream of establishing a permanent space dedicated to theatre was realized by his son, Shashi Kapoor, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Kapoor, who inaugurated Prithvi Theatre Mumbai on 5th November 1978.
Today, the theatre is managed by the Shashi Kapoor family under the Shri Prithviraj Kapoor Memorial Trust & Research Foundation, with Kunal Kapoor playing a key role in its operations. Their commitment to promoting quality theatre remains steadfast, offering a platform for established and emerging talents alike.
Today, the theatre is managed by the Shashi Kapoor family under the Shri Prithviraj Kapoor Memorial Trust & Research Foundation, with Kunal Kapoor playing a key role in its operations. Their commitment to promoting quality theatre remains steadfast, offering a platform for established and emerging talents alike.
Venue and Location
Prithvi Theatre is located at:
📍 20 Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Mumbai – 400049, Maharashtra, India
The venue is just a short walk from Juhu Beach and is easily accessible by road and public transport. The surrounding neighborhood adds charm to the experience, making it a favorite destination for theatre-goers and art lovers in the city.
Seating Capacity and Stage Dimensions
One of the theatre’s defining features is its intimate atmosphere. Prithvi Theatre has a seating capacity of approximately 200. Unlike larger auditoriums, its compact size ensures a close connection between performers and audience, enhancing the theatrical experience.
The stage dimensions are approximately 9.75 meters (32 feet) wide and 7.3 meters (24 feet) deep, making it ideal for plays that demand immersive storytelling rather than large-scale production elements. The stage setup is flexible, and lighting and sound systems are well-equipped for diverse performances.
Shows and Programming
Prithvi Theatre shows run almost every evening, covering a wide range of genres including drama, satire, comedy, experimental theatre, and more. The venue is known for hosting Hindi, English, Marathi, and Gujarati plays, attracting both veteran theatre companies and new-age performers.
Popular theatre groups like Motley, Rage, Akvarious Productions, and QTP frequently perform here. Additionally, Prithvi Theatre also organizes festivals, play readings, workshops, and children’s theatre — making it a holistic space for all age groups and theatre forms.
To keep up with Prithvi Theatre shows, visitors can check the monthly schedule on their official website or social media channels.
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