Prithvi Theatre

Prithvi Theatre is one of Mumbai's best known theatres, it belongs to the Kapoor family, one of the most influential actor/director families in Bollywood [http://www.mumbainet.com/travel/prithvi.htm Prithvi] www.mumbainet.com.] , and since 1993, its being run by Sanjana Kapoor [ [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2005/12/18/stories/2005121800240500.htm High drama in Prithvi Theatre] The Hindu, December 18, 2005.]

History

Prithvi Theatres was founded in 1944 [ [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/477270/Prithvi-Theatre#tab=active~checked%2Citems~checked&title=Prithvi%20Theatre%20--%20Britannica%20Online%20Encyclopedia Prithvi Theatre] Britannica.com] , by Prithviraj Kapoor, as a travelling troupe with 150 members [ [http://www.junglee.org.in/ptheatre.html Prthvi Theatre History] www.junglee.org.] , which staged memorable productions across India. Its maiden performance was Kalidasa's classic "Shakuntala", and in subsequent 16 years of its existence, the theater staged some 2,662 shows, of plays like, "Deewar" (Wall), "Pathan" (a community comprising hindus and muslims of North India), "Ghaddar" (Traitor), "Aahuthi" (Offering), "Kalaakar" (Painter), "Paisa" (Money) and "Kisaan" (Farmer). Prithviraj starred as the lead actor in "every single show". [ [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004432/bio Prithviraj's biography at the IMDB] ] [ [http://www.prithvitheatre.org/about_us.php?about_us_sub_page=our_history History] Prithvi Theatre.] and his work in the films funded the activities of the company [http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1060555 How ‘Papaji’s’ films funded Prithvi Theatre] October 27, 2006."Zohra Sehgal once asked Prithviraj, “Why the plural? Why Prithvi Theatres?” and he replied, “I wish there were many Prithvi Theatres all over the world that do what we do.”]

Prithviraj Kapoor's youngest son Shashi Kapoor, who had trained as an actor in the Prithvi Theatres, married Jennifer Kendal, daughter of Laura and Geoffrey Kendal, and the leading actress of their theatre company, Shakespearana. Both Shashi and Jennifer shared a deep passion for the theatre, and a great respect for Prithviraj's dream for Indian theatre.

Re-emergence

Though, Prithviraj Kapoor had been long trying find a permanent place for his Theatre compnay, he managed to leased out, a land in Juhu to create a theatre space. Though, his ill-health and subsequent death in 1972, delayed his dream turning into reality [ [http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/11/22/stories/2004112201500100.htm Kissing the firmament with Prithvi Theatre] The Hindu, November 22, 2004.] .

In 1975, a few years after his death, when the lease of the land in Juhu ran out, the Kapoor family decided to buy the land and set up the 'Shri Prithviraj Kapoor Memorial Trust' in Prithviraj Kapoor's memory with the intention of building a theatre to promote the performing arts. After studying the situation of theatre in the country, a need was felt for a unique theatre space - a space where the intimate and compelling actor / audience relationship, not unlike that of traditional Indian folk theatre, could be rediscovered. Attached to the theatre would be a cafe which would be a meeting place for artists and art lovers.

Shashi and Jennifer worked dedicatedly towards realising Prithviraj's dream, and on the November 5, 1978 the Prithvi Theatre, Bombay was inaugurated, and over the years has become a mainstay of the theatre scene in Mumbai [ [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031130/spectrum/main4.htm Preserving a theatre tradition] The Tribune, November 30, 2003.] .

In 1995, Govt. of India, issued a commemorative stamp to mark 50 years of 'Prithvi Theatre'. In the last decade Prithvi Theatre has grown to include children's workshops, an Art Gallery, originally started and run by Jennifer Kendal, now restarted, the revived 'Prithvi Cafe', which has now become a haunt of the intelligentsia and film and theatre personalities in Mumbai [ [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/30978120.cms Sanjana Kapoor] Times of India, December 11, 2002.] , and started its annual theatre festival, titled 'Prithvi Theatre Festival', organized throughout India [ [http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19981101/30550474.html Prithvi theatre festival starts today] ] Indian Express, November 1, 1998.] .

Later, Prithvi Theatre started its own production company called 'Prithvi Players' and 'Little Prithvi Players' (Theatre for children), and runs workshops for children [ [http://sakshijuneja.com/blog/2007/03/06/interview-sanjana-kapoor-carrying-on-with-family-tradition/ Interview Sanjana Kapoor : Carrying On With Family Tradition] March 6, 2007.]

In 2006, its annual festival was celebrated the birth centenary of Prithviraj Kapoor, and was titled, "Kala Desh ki Sewa mein" (Art in service of the Nation) [ [http://indianwriting.blogsome.com/2006/11/05/kala-desh-ki-seva-mein/ "Kala Desh ki Sewa mein"] ] [ [http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/24/stories/2006112402940200.htm A celebration of theatre] The Hindu, November 24, 2006.]

References

External links

* [http://www.prithvitheatre.org Prithvi Theatre Official Site]
* [http://www.indianpost.com/viewstamp.php/Alpha/P/PRITHVI%20THEATER Citation of the commemorative stamp issued in the Golden Jubilee Year of "Prithvi Theatre"]