Theatre Speaks

Deepika Deshpande Amin
Actor

Which is the last good play you liked and why?

CHAHETA - excellent direction and performances. An alternative, thought provoking look at a biblical story.

Your favourite adda to see a play...

Prithvi - for the intimate performance space, the history and the vibe

Your favourite playwright...

Vijay Tendulkar

Your favourite play-character...

Barbara from AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY

A play you would like to see filmed. Why?

SHIKHANDI - a landmark play blending a traditional tale epic tale with modern thought process. The stellar performances and crisp direction should be filmed and preserved for future generations to see.

A novel/short story you would like to see on stage? Why?

Cuckold by Kiran Nagarkar- for the fascinating characters, the drama and visual sweep of the story.

The most hilarious play you have seen...

MORUCHI MAVSHI in Marathi

A play, which is over-hyped...

A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM

An important play - (which should be performed more often ):-

BRAVELY FOUGHT THE QUEEN by Mahesh Dattani

A play character you would like to "dialogue" with...

Sakharam Binder- to lecture him on his attitude towards women.

A passage from an important play that you can recite...

Anjana's last speech from BOILED BEANS ON TOAST by Girish Karnad

A classical play that you should have read...

OEDIPUS REX

A play that changed your perception about the theatre.

Not one particular play, but ALL the fabulous plays I saw as a member of the META Selection Committee . Indian regional theatre is so rich, varied and vibrant. I wish we could see more theatre from all over the country.

How do you regard the Mumbai/Indian theatre scene?

Has not reached its deserved heights of glory due to financial constraints.

Have you read any interesting books/articles concerning the theatre? Why did you find them interesting?

I'm currently reading a compilation of Chekhov's plays and stories. It's interesting how human nature and relationships don't change, even a hundred years later.

Can you recall an event that was insightful, significant or simply humorous during your theatre journey?

Years ago, the actor opposite me lost his voice and our director Barry John stepped into that role. He broadly knew the lines and the highly physical moves so he improvised and incorporated it into the character. Watching him and acting opposite him was a great learning experience.

Can you think of a foreign production that you found remarkable? Why?

A VERY EXPENSIVE POISON at the Old Vic - a dry, complex subject made so gripping. Imaginative staging and excellent
production values.

Your favourite director/actor/music or set designer...

Barry John - director, actor and set designer - all rolled into one.

A significant Indian production that you may have witnessed.....

Revival of the Marathi musical KATYAR KALJAT GHUSLI.

Life in the theatre without the humble batata-wada or the cutting chai... or can you recall the best gastronomic experience you've had in the precincts of the theatre to date?

In the good old days, it would be Irish coffee at Prithvi, today it would be their paranthas and Sulemani chai.
 
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