JOIN USCircle Theatre Company, known for its plays on political issues, has made a comeback with Ashad Ka Ek Din, originally directed by Hindi litterateur Mohan Rakesh in 1958. It took Bapi Bose, founder of the company and director of the play, three years to bring this production on stage because of multiple reasons.
The play which depicts the love story of poet Kalidas and Mallika is carried out in
three parts and portrays different episodes of Kalidas’ love life, and his journey to success.
“For three consecutive years, I tried to get approval from different selection committees, but the screening of the play was either rejected or kept on hold. They told me that my facts were incorrect, without even watching the play. People targeted my act without any reason and everyone just stood against it,” says Bose. While going through all these struggles, I was teaching and was freelancing as the time was not suitable to produce anything,” he adds.
He adds “We need a secular, democratic space in theatre. This is 21st century where everyone has their own space. Every woman, man, child, religion should be equally treated. Theatre has its own freedom which should be retained.”
Talking about the present scene of theatre in India, Bose believes that it has “evolved immensely”. According to him,several new directors are doing good work and have the potential to take Indian theatre to great heights.
“There are various institutions that are doing a lot to enhance the quality of thespians and other people related to theatre. National School of Drama has been the greatest example of that. Plays portray a mirror image of the society and that is why we need quality institutions that can produce quality products,” says Bose, who directed plays like Socrates, Ekla Chalo Re and Seventeenth July.
However, Bose, who has an experience of around 40 years, feels that “everything has become commercial now”. Only a few do justice to their knowledge of theatre. Many get into theatre to “get into films”.
“There are many for whom theatre is just a way to get into films. And after that they think their mission is accomplished. This should not happen. Theatre is for the soul and one should not use it only to make money.”
Bose got many offers from Bollywood, but he affirms that theatre is his “life and passion” and he will never get into films.