Theatre Speaks

Vidyagouri Honnavar
Actor

Which is the last play you liked and why?
CHANDU KI CHACHI. It's a children's play that all ages can associate with. Sublime message.

Your favourite adda to see a play...
Prithvi Theatre

Your favourite playwright...
P L Deshpande, Jaywant Dalvi

Your favourite play-character...
Durga, dadi from CHINTA CHHOD CHINTAMANI

A play you would like to see filmed. Why?
CHANDU KI CHACHI. It's a fun play with a beautiful message.

A novel/short story you would like to see on stage? Why?
Thrillers. Not too many plays in that gene

The most hilarious play you have seen...
VAARYAVARCHI VARAAT by Pu La Deshpande

A play, which is over-hyped...
It's the films that are hyped. Plays need to be hyped, they are not hyped enough.

An important play (but ignored):
A good play does well. Our audience is mature enough.

A play character you would like to "dialogue" with...
Durga from CHINTA CHHOD CHINTAMANI

A passage from an important play that you can recite...
Pitaji's speech in KAALCHAKRA to Vishwanath. It is an emotionally charged monologue that strikes a cord.

A classical play that you should have read...
All of P L Deshpande's plays. I've read a handful but they are all gems.

A play that changed your perception about the theatre....
I've been tremendously influenced by Marathi theatre. The first production of CHAR CHAVGHI was too hard hitting. A play where all four major characters are women and so much ahead of it's time. Shakes you up.

How do you regard the Mumbai/Indian theatre scene?
In Mumbai, Marathi and Gujarati theatre is more developed than the others. Rightly so, because they have been around for a while.
Also, there is a need for more venues for Hindi theatre.

Have you read any interesting books/articles concerning the theatre? Why did you find them interesting?
There are so many really. Acting Studio, An actor prepares, Man watching. These are books that every theatre enthusiast must read

Can you recall an event that was insightful, significant or simply humorous during your theatre journey?
Years ago when we were doing CHANDU KI CHACHI the show ended and there was a walnut brownie waiting for everyone in the production. There was some confusion initially. We didn't know who had ordered for it. When we found out at the cafe, we were told that Shashi ji, Mr Shashi Kapoor had watched our play and treated all of us as a token of his appreciation. Still have warm feeling when I think of that summer afternoon.

Can you think of a foreign production that you found remarkable? Why?
Yet to see a play at Broadway

Your favourite director/actor/music or set designer...
Irrfan Khan is my all time favourite. Rahul Bose has a brilliant stage presence

A significant Indian production that you may have witnessed.....
It's difficult to name one.

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?
The Walnut Brownie and Irish coffee at the Prithvi cafe.
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