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DELHI, INDIA, October 6, 2004: Just two months more and Akshara Theatre will be buzzing with activity – at least for five days a week. All thanks to the Japanese government’s US $49,217 grant which they had given to Gopal Sharman and Jalabala Vaidya last December. With the money, they’ve planned to bring in first rate digital equipment – “sound, recording, playback…,” Sharman explains. “We’ve already got the lighting machinery delivered. It’s sleek, smooth and very intelligent. You can actually program what lights you want at a point of time for a whole show and sit back and relax,” he adds happily.



It’s been a dream for both of them. And they’ve planned out each detail meticulously. “We start with our all time success – the Ramayana, followed by some shows of Let’s Laugh Again, one of our popular comedies. There have also been discussions with a number of classical artists – like Sharon Lowen for Odissi dance and a group of folk singers from Langa village in Rajasthan. We will have solo performances by some of our famous musicians who give live background scores for our theatre performances – like Rakesh Prasanna, a sitar and sarod player in his own right.”



Still, for five days every week, it had seemed difficult to get committed professional actors. “That’s one reason why theatre is not doing well. The performers either aim for Delhi or are not interested enough and take it up as a hobby,” says Sharman. The answer came in the form of the children who came to Akshara for theatre classes. “To get people to pay money for a show, you need to give them something worthwhile. Our students, between the ages of four to 16, have been learning with us for a number of years and I can safely say are much better at dancing and acting than Hrithik Roshan!” he claims.



Sharman himself is another reason why they’re convinced of success. “How many theatre groups have a resident scriptwriter? I can write to suit their capabilities and bring out their talent,” he points out. But do they expect enough audiences at Akshara day after day? “There are almost 12 million people in Delhi. From a civilized society, I’m expecting only 100 members a night. Look at the number of people who eat and drink at five star hotels or watch a movie at a posh multiplex. Our shows will be quality entertainment at much cheaper rates,” he points out. Plus, there is going to be the traditional Akshara tomato soup for all visitors along with a light supper. And both Sharman and Vaidya take pride in the food they will serve. “It’s going to be wholesome food – buns or breads will be made out of whole wheat grain and not maida. The soup will be made of real tomatoes.” Can we term it supper theatre? “No, supper theatre means watching a performance as you eat. We will be having our show from 8 to 10 pm and then serve the food. Our focus is theatre,” Sharman shoots back.

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