Theatre artistes face lockdown blues

As the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown led to closure of theatre halls with stage shows forced into a halt, actors and others associated with the industry have settled for activities such as selling fish or conducting online classes during these troubled times.

Tapan Das, who had been initiated into English theatre acting by renowned theatre personality Ananda Lal in the 90s and had travelled across the globe with 'Royal Shakespeare Company', has taken to selling Hilsa in his locality in North 24 Parganas district.

Meanwhile, Supriti Bhadra, a familiar face in group theatre circuit, is conducting online classes for 4-5 year olds.

Das, who had come back to his roots at Khardah in North 24 Parganas in 2006, and formed his own theatre group had his productions 'Ghare Baire' and 'Khochor' ready for being staged when "lockdown struck without any foreboding."

"When I was in my teens, I used to accompany my father to a pond and witness catching of fish but I did not have any interest in it. Theatre was my only love. I had explored the internal and external facets of theatre all these years. But as I had to eke out a living, I realised that no job can be inferior," Das, who had also worked with noted theatre personality Shyamanand Jalan, told PTI.

He has also motivated 20 unemployed persons in Shantinagar locality to sell vegetables and fish and start a mini bazar in the area while maintaining social distancing.

Though selling fish occupies most of his time, the intrepid theatre lover nurtures his passion for the art of drama by conducting online workshops with young members of his group in the evenings.

"I ask them to prepare a 10-minute presentation based on a concept and send me the recording. I correct it and get back to them to repeat the act. Once it receives my approval we post it on YouTube. I found this new concept interesting.

We will take it forward after stage shows are allowed in post-COVID-19 stage," he said.

Supriti Bhadra had back-to-back shows of 'Mumbai Nights' and another acclaimed production lined up in end of March and April when the pandemic struck.

Bhadra is now dividing her time between conducting online classes for kindergarten children and household chores.

"I am not complaining. But how can you go on indefinitely like this? Online theatre sessions can only become a poor alternative to stage" she said.

Debojit Paul, a well-known make-up artist, is waiting for the situation to improve in the coming days.

Paul, who had done the make up of Bratya Basu among others till mid March, said, doing make up sessions on net is not a practicable idea and he will wait for the day when shows resume in some form.

Stage actor Soumita Biswas said, "as we are passionate about theatre, such a long break is killing for us. Let's hope we can start."

She is now conducting online recital sessions from home.

Chandan Sengupta, who used to sell tickets for stage shows at the Academy of Fine Arts, said that after the lockdown was announced, it was initially felt that the closure would be for a few weeks but theatres still remain closed.

"The halls can open with a gap in seating arrangements. If shopping malls can open why not theatres with limited audience? We are now sustaining with the help given by voluntary organisations, but for how long? Please pray so that we can start," he said.

Image credit: PTI (Representational)